Business Profile: Fifty Shades of Green
Name: Mark McCrea
Company: Fifty Shades of Green Landscapes NI
Address: 106 Loughmuck Road, Omagh
Contact: 07845 756375
Email: fiftyshadesofgreenlandscapesni@yahoo.com
Can you describe your business?
Fifty Shades of Green Landscapes NI offers a complete design and build service that is tailored to meet your individual requirements and that of the site. We can accommodate anything from small urban gardens to country estates. All work is completed to the highest quality with an eye for detail. We pride ourselves on the planting and supply of mature trees, shrubs and instant hedging planted with the correct expertise, the knowledge of what will grow best and offer a maintenance service throughout the year to ensure the health and growth of the plants. All plants are sourced from specialist nurseries, ensuring that each site is planted with the highest quality plants. The other services are pruning, tree care, tree felling, feeding treatments for all existing shrubs, trees, lawns. All lawn treatments from moss and weed control to putting in drainage.
Why did you start your own business?
I always had an interest in plants, trees and working in the garden at home from a young age. After school I studied horticulture and I knew then that I wanted to have my own business. Over 10 years I gained experience in different sectors working in garden centres, landscaping, local council and tree surgery companies. I’m a keen plantsman and wanted to bring my passion and knowledge of plants into every garden, creating the perfect balance between the plants and hard landscaping materials.
What are the best things about running your own businesses?
You are in total control, you get to do what you love doing and every day is different.
What are the main challenges facing the business?
The main challenge that I find is getting across that landscaping work is not just for the spring and summer. We work all year round and there are jobs for every season. For example, the winter is a good time for planting. It’s less stress on the plants because they are dormant. Pruning should to be carried out at different times of the year for different plants and trees.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
Carry out good market research, seek business support to help make a solid business plan and follow your dream.
Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?
Very rewarding.
