Athelas nursery in Hooe

He watched them thrive in the garden as well as in the wild and was amazed how they grew in bone dry conditions with the minimum of care and attention - especially compared with the roses and rhododendrons his neighbours struggled to cultivate.

When he returned to England Matt realised gardeners back home might appreciate a new low-maintenance approach, using exotic plants which benefit from neglect, and he has now opened a specialist nursery with brother-in-law Nigel Hewitt.

The Athelas nursery is tucked away behind the Hope Cottage farm shop and is something of a secret oasis full of treasures from far-off lands - oleanders, olives, Mexican grass trees, palms and agarves.

Matt said: "What I found in Australia was that the traditional English plants struggled so much in drier conditions whereas the Australian plants thrived in their native habitat, and carried on looking fantastic even though there was no water. They grew so vigorously in such poor soil with so little water and yet the flowers were fantastic. It was something new...It opened my eyes to something different. It was their ability to do well in such poor conditions and look so stunning that made me think of how well they would do over here."

An important aspect of their work is to advise customers on the best plants and trees to buy for their particular garden and circumstances and how to care for them throughout seasonal changes.

For further details of the Athelas Nursery call on 07920 426388, or visit the website www.athelasplants.co.uk to make orders.