As voters assess the implications of the general election result some enterprising plant lovers reckon politicians must not overlook the economic potential of the horticultural sector.

Name:

Orna Gilchrist.

Age:

31.

What is your business called?

Terranova.

Where is it based?

Edinburgh.

What does it produce, what services does it offer?

Garden based floristry: flowers – many of which I grow myself with my partner Jeremie, for everything from a full wedding package (from bridal bouquet to button holes) to simply fresh and fragrant flowers for customers’ homes. People can subscribe to receive regular hand-tied bunches of flowers or buy them as a one-off treat.

Terra Nova also offers a bespoke garden design and development service. I advocate a high-density style of planting which has many benefits and needs less overall maintenance.

We rent a field in Duddingston Village in Edinburgh, where we grow flowers for our florists and experiment with plants for the gardens we’re working on.

To whom does it sell?

There are an increasing number of people looking for seasonal and local flowers. Our garden clients are really varied. A growing number of people love their gardens but have less time to maintain them.

Turnover?

Growing! The floristry side of the business is currently supported by the proceeds of the garden design aspect but our flowers are taking off quickly with plenty weddings booked this year.

How many employees?

Jeremie and I work full time on Terra Nova and we employ other horticulturalists/ gardeners on a seasonal basis.

When was it formed?

2015.

Why did you take the plunge?

After training as horticulturalists, we started TerraNova because we believed floristry and garden design had to be brought together. We both have a real passion for garden design and this flows naturally into the design aspects floristry. At the end of the day, I simply love plants!

What were you doing before you took the plunge?

I had been working as a Head Gardener at the Edwardian gardens in East Lothian’s Greywalls Jeremie was working at the award-winning Binny Plants. When the opportunity to rent ground in the heart of Edinburgh came up I couldn't say no!

How did you raise the start-up funding?

We invested our own savings into the field to get it into a useable state.

What was your biggest break?

Designing two gardens in and around Edinburgh last year.

Having the opportunity to work with clients who really wanted a garden to suit their situation and needs, and watching it come together was a great experience.

I’m really lucky that the clients wanted us to be involved in the annual maintenance of the planting too so I was able to see it mature and develop.

What was your worst moment?

Last summer I saw my entire season’s worth of lovingly cultivated sweet peas annihilated by a late night guerilla rabbit attack. Devastating after so much hard work but you have to pick yourself up and carry on – and there are other beautiful alternatives at that time of year!

What do you most enjoy about running the business?

I get a particular thrill from experimenting with unusual plants and flowers in our bouquets – something that is increasingly a selling point for Terra Nova. I also absolutely love seeing a new garden come together from start to finish.

What is your biggest bugbear?

Late frosts and unpredictable weather patterns.

What are your ambitions for the firm?

To grow both aspects of the business while increasing the proportion of our own flowers we supply for our arrangements year round.

It’s also important that Terra Nova continues to develop creatively and our field is a big part of this. It’s in an idyllic spot between Duddingston Loch and Arthur's Seat and is the place where we grow and experiment with flowers.

What are your top priorities?

To develop a yearlong flower subscription service – supplying bouquets throughout the year. I’m also keen to start running flower arranging workshops because I want people to be able to recognise and use the beautiful resources they have growing in their own gardens. We will be dedicating time and resources to planning and developing more gardens and increasing our portfolio in this area. We have to work harder at getting the word out about Terra Nova’s offering. I know we need to shout louder on our blog and social media feeds too.

What could the Westminster and/or Scottish governments do that would help?

More funding for horticultural start-ups would be useful. This business is making the most of local and seasonal resources and it would be great to have that recognised.

What was the most valuable lesson that you learned?

Don't take the To Do list too seriously....

How do you relax?

Friends, fun and red wine.