By Abdullahi Lukman
Martins, the driving force behind the thriving Billy Green Garden, never expected to find his calling in horticulture. His journey to this lush landscape was anything but linear.
In fact, it took a winding path, from the world of graphic design to the heart of nature.
“It wasn’t a straight path,” he recalls, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he reflects on his past.
As a child, he spent countless hours captivated by his neighbor’s rose garden, a sight that ignited a fascination with plants.
“That sparked a lifelong interest. Eventually, I realized I wanted to work with living things, not just images on a screen.”
Today, Martins’ passion is fully realized at Billy Green Garden, where he has created a sanctuary for native plants and sustainable practices.
It’s here that his vision for horticulture thrives, blending creativity with nature’s rhythms.
His approach is grounded in the belief that working with the natural world, not against it, is the key to success.
“Understanding the soil is crucial,” he says with conviction, knowing that a deep comprehension of light, water availability, and microclimates is essential for any garden to flourish.
Every project begins with meticulous planning: selecting the right plants, determining their ideal placement, and ensuring long-term maintenance.
But it doesn’t stop there. Martins firmly believes in companion planting and natural pest control. “I create a balanced ecosystem within the garden,” he explains.
His methods, which favor harmony over chemical interventions, ensure that the garden stays healthy without harming the environment.
Despite his commitment, Martins knows that gardening is never without its challenges.
The unpredictable nature of weather remains a constant concern.
“A sudden frost or heatwave can devastate a garden,” he admits. Still, he faces these hurdles with optimism, adopting an integrated approach to pest control.
By encouraging beneficial insects and using organic methods, he keeps his gardens flourishing.
Disease management, he adds, begins with prevention—proper watering, good air circulation, and selecting disease-resistant varieties.
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Sustainability is at the core of everything Martins does.
“I’m thrilled to see the growing interest in sustainable gardening,” he says.
At Billy Green, practices like drip irrigation, mulching, and composting are staples, ensuring the garden thrives without depleting resources.
Martins champions water-wise gardening and encourages the use of vertical and container gardening, particularly in urban environments where space is limited.
For those just starting their gardening journey, Martins has a simple but powerful piece of advice: “Start small! Don’t try to do everything at once. Choose a few easy-to-grow plants suited to your climate.
” Herbs, he suggests, are a great starting point. As with any skill, he emphasizes the importance of learning through experimentation—and sometimes, failure.
“Gardening is a journey,” he notes. “It’s better to underwater than overwater. And above all, patience is key!”
Looking toward the future, Martins is filled with excitement about the possibilities in horticulture.
The potential of plant biotechnology, particularly in creating disease-resistant and drought-tolerant varieties, holds great promise. He is also intrigued by smart gardening systems that harness technology to optimize resources.
“I think the future of horticulture will be about integrating technology with traditional knowledge to create more sustainable and efficient practices,” he predicts.
Reflecting on his career, one experience stands out. Martins remembers working on a community garden project, where he witnessed the joy and pride of residents as they cultivated their own food.
“It was incredibly rewarding,” he says, his eyes lighting up.
“It reinforced the power of gardening to connect people with nature and build community.”
Even the setbacks, like losing a crop to an unexpected frost, were valuable lessons in resilience.
Ultimately, Martins’ love for horticulture is rooted in something deeper.
“The most rewarding aspect of working with plants is the connection to something larger than myself,” he reflects.
“It’s about being part of the cycle of life, witnessing the miracle of growth and transformation,” he says.
At Billy Green Garden, his dedication to nurturing nature’s beauty continues to inspire, enrich, and bring the community closer to the land.
