It’s all about teamwork. We are a group of talented and creative gardeners living and working on the Isle of Wight. We pride ourselves in being professional in our work and attentive to our customers needs. Combined we have many years of relevant training and experience, qualifications and knowledge, which we can draw upon for your garden or outdoor project.
To speak to us call our office on 01983 597935
Craig | Company Owner
CRAIG RATCLIFF. Designer, landscaper and gardener
Founder and company owner. Craig is a garden designer, landscaper and veganic gardener. His interest in gardening formed in childhood whilst helping his stepfather in the family garden and spending time with nature.
In 1999 Craig started his horticultural career working with ‘Clifton Nurseries’ in Maida Vale and ‘London Gardens’ in Chiswick. In 2004 Craig established his own landscape gardening business, and in 2006 relocated the business with his family to the Isle of Wight. Many gardens later, in 2011 Craig suffered a back injury. Whilst this was life changing, it did give him some valuable space and time to reflect and focus on developing and growing his successful business. C.A.R. Gardens is now a national and local multi-award winning company.
After installing the Chelsea Garden at the Hospice in 2016, Craig enjoyed assisting Matthew Wilson’s team for a day on his RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden.
Craig won local recognition for his allotment, has helped with school gardening clubs and supported schools and their pupils plant countless trees, hedges and saplings. In 2024 Craig gave back to the community with his team on a project to revitalise a public planting space in Newport town centre- the Islands capital.
Craig also enjoys spending time with his close family and friends and keeping active, especially with Clyde the family rescue dog with walks and sea dips. He enjoys a plant based diet and aspires for the gardening business to not only be organic- but to be Veganic!
Craig has a BA Honours degree in 3D Design: Ceramics, is a volunteer judge for Wight in Bloom, South East in Bloom and is busy forming a not for profit community group- Green on Wight- aka -GROW.
It is my business aspiration to offer and supply the very best in garden design, landscaping and maintenance on the Isle of Wight, whilst creating sustainable, fulfilling and rewarding employment and to give back to the community.
Warren | Head Garden Designer
WARREN OLDERSHAW. Garden designer, gardener and plants-person
Warren is an award winning garden designer, graduating from the Isle of Wight College in 2006 with a diploma in horticulture gaining a double distinction.
Since this successful study Warren has worked with C.A.R. Gardens gaining further experience and knowledge in garden design, landscaping and caring for customer’s gardens. In 2012 The Chemotherapy Garden at St. Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight was awarded a national award, a garden which Warren designed, helped to build and maintain on a regular basis. In 2015 this garden also won a Wight in Bloom Award.
Warren has enjoyed working with and for Alan Titchmarsh on planting plans and landscape designs for his Isle of Wight garden. Warren continues to develop his professional interests by being a friend of the ‘Society of Garden Designers’, joining courses, attending seminars and visiting gardens.
…a garden is about visual beauty, but also smell, surprise, tranquillity and fun…
BEN HARVEY. Head gardener and Health & Safety manager
Ben started working with C.A.R. Gardens in March 2023. Ben came to us with 15 years horticultural and grounds maintenance experience, 5 of which to management capacity, whilst working at Robin Hill Country Park, a horticulturally award winning tourist attraction.
Ben is well placed to be our head gardener, to help ensure a high standard of service is delivered to all of our customers. He also brings with him a high level of health and safety knowledge and expertise, having been H&S manager in a previous job.
Ben has a level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Horticulture, for which he achieved a Distinction- Merit with special recognition for his design work and continues to develop his career with qualifications such as NPTC Level 2 award in chainsaw work.
When not at work, Ben enjoys family time, together discovering more about the Isle of Wight’s natural beauty.
Horticulture has the ability to bring happiness and comfort and I find that really empowering. Combining this with an ability to express yourself through a planting medium is something I find fascinating.
ROB MEW. Office manager
Rob started working with C.A.R. Gardens in May 2023 helping run the office, liaising with our customers, supporting the team, and at times on the drawing board or out on the tools when extra help is needed.
The large majority of Robs previous working career of 35 years, has been devoted to teaching and training students in horticulture at the Isle of Wight College. Many of his students have moved onto fantastic careers within the industry. Rob has mentored many people along the way, always generous in supporting and sharing his knowledge. His ability to deliver this is now enriching our business by developing individuals within the C.AR. team as they develop on their professional journey.
Robs previous experience and roles at the College grew his responsibilities from teaching to management, being responsible for various teams and students within different departments. Liaising with the large majority of horticultural employers Rob has strong bonds with the local industry.
Rob is a keen gardener and plantsman with a key focus on garden design and plants. In 2006 he was awarded the Sir Harold Hillier Award for horticultural contribution to the Island. He has many horticultural and educational certificates, including a Higher National Certificate Horticulture (Garden Design).
Rob enjoys walking, visiting gardens, photography and spending time botanising with like minded people.
GEORGE MILFORD. Garden supervisor
George started working with C.A.R. Gardens in August 2023 as a garden supervisor and quickly became an integral part of the business, helping run one of our garden maintenance rounds.
Prior to working with us and since completing college George worked as a self employed gardener, mainly devoting his time and attention to Nunwell House. George applied his knowledge and skills to achieve high standards of work, finish and presentation and took huge pride in having his work admired by the many visitors to the estate. He brings this work ethic and pride to C.A.R. Gardens.
George studied BTEC Level 2 Horticulture Merit and Level 1 Land Based Studies at the Isle of Wight College, being awarded Best Practical Student in 2014.
Georges’ interest in horticulture extends to his spare time with visiting gardens and attending horticultural talks.
ED STILES. Garden supervisor
Ed starting working with C.A.R. Gardens in October 2023, and was promoted in January 2026 now helping run one of our garden maintenance and blitz teams.
Before joining our team, Ed worked as a qualified Countryside Ranger in countryside management with Gift to Nature and also with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust as an assistant reserves officer. Before living on the Island Ed worked with arboricultural companies to become a confident and accomplished Arborist.
Ed has studied and qualified in Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Work based Horticulture at the Isle of Wight College, NPTC Level 3 Merit in Forestry and Arboriculture; and BTEC National Diploma in Public Services- Merit.
Ed enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking and exploring the Island and is also a keen golfer.
CLIVE MANSELL. Gardener
BEN ALLEN. Gardener
CATRINA RICHARDSON. Office assistant & gardener
JEMMA RATCLIFF. Office assistant and book-keeper
Jemma has been working with us since January 2024, working part time along side her vocation as professional artist, delivering creative and print workshops. Jemma’s creative business is called Alilou Arts.
Find out more at www.alilouarts.co.uk
LOUIE RATCLIFF. Assistant
Louie has been helping out at C.A.R. Gardens since 2022, working with us during college holidays. A master with the brush- both paint and broom. Louie is studying a Fine Art Degree at Kingston School of Art, specialising in sculpture.
Find out more at Louie Ratcliff
CLYDE. Office dog
Clyde is our rescue dog. Found with his sister, Bonnie, on the streets of Southampton named by the dog warden. After a few months R&R with the RSPCA he has been rehomed with us in our loving family.
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