Team Profiles

Luci Skinner – Owner, Sales and plant advice

Luci has worked at Woottens for over 7 years & was previously a florist for 8 years. Starting in Woottens mail order then growing and propagating the nurseries Pelargonium collection and finally managing the nursery. RHS trained, Luci’s passion for plants is contagious and she does regular talks to local gardening clubs and runs the nursery floristry courses. You’ll see her at all major events and she’s usually the friendly voice at the other end of the phone.

Julie Nicholas – Pelargonium Specialist

Julie worked as librarian at Cambridge University for 20 years before her love of gardening took her back to college to study horticulture. Gaining a RHS qualification in 2009, she then worked at Blooms of Bressingham before joining Woottens.

Originally employed to weed she was quickly promoted and took on responsibility for the Pelargonium Collection. This includes raising pels from cutting and seed and nurturing them until they are ready for sale or showing.

Pelargonium has 250 species and it is the large number of growth forms that Julie finds fascinating. Her particular interest is tuberous species (section Hoarea) which are often night scented. She is also interested in the history of introductions, cultivation and usage; and enjoys sharing her knowledge through talks to gardening groups.

Sandra Sutton – Auricula Specialist

Sandra started working at the nursery in 2001, she worked in the potting shed along Mike potting, propagating and serving and advising customers.

In 2004 Mike asked Sandra to ‘look after’ what was essentially just two trays of Auriculas. 14 years later Sandra is now Woottens Auricula Specialist, growing and propagating over 400 different varieties of Alpines, Edges, Self, Fancies and more! Her Auriculas have been exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show and are always the star attraction at our major events. Sandra has also bred several new varieties by hybridising different species which are available under the ‘Woottens’ name.

Sandra finds working (in all weathers) with such a huge range of plants that we grow a pleasurable and rewarding job that has given her a ‘real’ education in horticulture.