| Two Months On – Where Are We Now? |
| The headline image is not yet reality – it is the plan we have for the branding. |
| The last time I actually sat down and wrote something topical, rather than post-dating evergreen content, was apparently in the first few days of April when I published A Season of Change at Earthly Comforts. That doesn’t surprise me, because as a business we have been absolutely full-on this year. Back in April, I wrote about Earthly Comforts’ transition from a small sole-trader gardening operation into a growing limited company. The article covered expansion, staffing, new equipment, robotic mowing, rising costs, and the challenge of building a sustainable long-term business whilst remaining true to our gardening roots. Now, two months later, after what has been a phenomenally busy spring, where are we? The honest answer is that we have achieved a great deal, but perhaps not always in the areas we expected. The robot mowers are still sitting in the second garage waiting to be put into service. The administrative transition to the limited company is still ongoing. The advertising campaign we planned is yet to be distributed. In many ways, the “behind-the-scenes” work of building a business has taken far longer than anticipated. New systems, accounting procedures, payroll preparations, employment contracts, HR support, insurance reviews, software changes, vehicle arrangements, and compliance requirements have all demanded time and attention. Thankfully, I still spend most of my time gardening rather than sitting behind a desk. The gardens remain the reason I started Earthly Comforts in the first place and continue to be the part of the business I enjoy most. However, as the business grows, so too does the administrative burden needed to keep everything moving in the right direction. What was once a fairly simple operation now requires considerably more planning and organisation behind the scenes. None of that is particularly glamorous, but it is an essential part of building a business that can continue to grow whilst maintaining the standards our clients have come to expect. Despite this, progress continues. Butler K and his employment contract will be only a matter of weeks away from completion, marking a significant milestone as Earthly Comforts officially prepares to employ its first full-time member of staff. That may not sound particularly exciting from the outside, but for a business that only a few years ago consisted of a gardener, some basic tools, and a handful of local clients, it represents a major step forward. Our expansion projects and future plans continue to gather momentum. The search for land to support our future Soil Hub concept is progressing, and we are moving ever closer to operating from land we control rather than renting an increasingly expensive piece of ground. The vision remains the same: creating a space where green waste can be processed, composted, reused, and transformed into something genuinely beneficial for local gardens and the wider environment. We have also finally purchased a van. After months of discussions, calculations, comparisons, and probably more deliberation than was entirely necessary, we are now simply awaiting delivery before it receives its Earthly Comforts branding and livery. Having a dedicated company vehicle will significantly improve both our operational efficiency and professional image. For the first time, Earthly Comforts will soon have a recognisable mobile presence around Sandwich and the surrounding villages, helping us bring our brand, values, and services directly into the communities we serve. Space has become an increasingly valuable commodity. Alongside the second garage we secured earlier this year, we are now considering taking on a third garage. The intention is for this to become our utility workshop – a dedicated space for maintaining equipment, storing tools and materials, preparing projects, and carrying out the countless little jobs that seem to accompany a growing business. Whilst it may not be the most glamorous expansion project, it would make a significant difference to our day-to-day operations. Our client base has now grown to over eighty households and businesses. That figure alone highlights just how much Earthly Comforts has developed over the last few years. What began as a small local gardening service has steadily evolved into something considerably larger and more ambitious. With that growth comes another realisation. We now recognise the clear need for a second employee to support both the gardening and utility sides of the business. Demand continues to increase, and whilst growth is welcome, it must be managed carefully. We remain committed to providing the same level of personal service that our clients have come to expect, which means ensuring the business grows sustainably rather than simply quickly. I would be lying if I said the year has not taken its toll physically as well. Ironically, just as we enter the beginning of the summer gardening season, I have found myself becoming increasingly fatigued. Most days begin somewhere between 4:30am and 5:00am, and by the time the day’s gardening, project work, administration, client enquiries, planning, and general business responsibilities are finished, I am often back in bed somewhere between 8:00pm and 10:00pm. I suspect many small business owners will recognise that feeling. There are periods when growth and opportunity arrive simultaneously, and whilst that is something to be grateful for, it can also be exhausting. The challenge is finding the balance between taking advantage of those opportunities whilst ensuring there is enough energy left in the tank to enjoy the journey. Thankfully, despite the long days, I still genuinely enjoy what I do. Whether it is helping a client transform an overgrown garden, trialling new ideas for the future of the business, or tackling a project that initially seemed impossible, there is great satisfaction in seeing progress take shape. Another important development has been the growing recognition that Earthly Comforts is becoming more than just a gardening business. Increasingly, clients are turning to us for broader property-related projects, garden recovery, estate preparation, and practical solutions beyond traditional garden maintenance. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the year so far has been Project Matilda. What initially began as a relatively straightforward gardening project quickly evolved into one of the largest and most complex undertakings we have ever been involved with. Over several weeks, we found ourselves moving far beyond the garden and into the house itself, undertaking a substantial estate clearance involving thousands of books, paperwork, furniture, personal possessions, recycling and disposal, coordination with family members, and preparation for eventual sale. The experience taught us a great deal. Most importantly, it highlighted a genuine need for a professional, practical, and compassionate estate clearance service. As a result, we have begun exploring the creation of a separate company, Earthly Comforts Estate Clearances (EC-EC). Whilst still very much at the concept stage, the idea would allow us to provide dedicated estate clearance services whilst keeping Earthly Comforts focused on gardens, grounds, and outdoor spaces. Whether that venture ultimately develops remains to be seen, but Project Matilda certainly opened our eyes to opportunities we had never previously considered. Looking back, perhaps the most significant change since April is not any single project, vehicle, employee, or business plan. It is our mindset. Earthly Comforts is no longer thinking solely as a self-employed gardener. We are increasingly thinking in terms of the long term. That brings new challenges, new responsibilities, and occasionally more paperwork than anyone should reasonably have to endure. Yet it also brings opportunity. As we move into summer, there is still a huge amount to do. The robot mowers need testing. The van needs branding. New systems need refining. New staff need support. New ideas need exploring. In many respects, it feels as though we are only just getting started. And whilst the journey is proving rather different from the one we imagined back in April, it remains every bit as exciting. Thank you, as always, to our clients, supporters, friends, and family who continue to place their trust in us. Every garden we care for, every project we undertake, and every recommendation we receive helps shape the next chapter of Earthly Comforts. Here’s to the rest of 2026. |
Earthly Comforts 