From newsroom deadlines to sensory gardens: how Gary Hegarty rebuilt his career through horticulture

Gary Hegarty, owner of Mindful Gardens reflects on the benefits of changing his career and returning to education by studying Horticulture at CAFRE Greenmount Campus. 

After nearly two decades designing sports pages for a national newspaper, Gary Hegarty found himself facing a turning point — one shaped by rapid technological change and a growing desire to work closer to the natural world.

Today, he runs his own garden design business, Mindful Gardens. But the path from newsroom designer to specialist in sensory garden spaces began with a simple realisation: a lifelong hobby might hold the key to a completely new career.

Concerned about how emerging AI technology was reshaping the graphic design industry, Gary began exploring alternatives. What started as a personal interest in gardening gradually grew into something more ambitious.

That journey eventually led him to the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise’s (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus, where he enrolled in a Foundation Degree in Horticulture — a decision that would redefine his professional future.

Having spent years experimenting in his own garden, Gary began designing layouts for friends and family and realised the creative skills he had developed in design could transfer naturally to landscaping.

“I was designing layouts for family and friends, and the idea of still being creative but using plants instead of paper really excited me. I wanted to pursue something that challenged me again.”

Living in the west of Northern Ireland, Gary also noticed a practical opportunity. With relatively few garden designers operating in the area, he believed there was space in the market for a new business built around thoughtful and creative design.

While researching courses online, he discovered CAFRE’s horticulture programmes and was particularly drawn to the flexibility offered.

“Originally, I planned to study garden design,” he explains, “but when I came across the FdSc in Horticulture, I knew it was the better choice. It was broader, more in-depth, and covered everything I needed to become a professional designer. I was still working, having that financial security was important for my family life.

“I was very fortunate - my manager was incredibly supportive and gave me the time off I needed for my studies. That support made the change possible and opened the doorway to my return to education.”

Returning to education after years in full-time work could have been daunting, but Gary says the experience proved transformative.

“My time at CAFRE definitely shaped my future,” Gary reflects. “The course was extensive, and that deeper knowledge has been invaluable. The lecturers were so knowledgeable and encouraging - I enjoyed every minute of my time there.”

His studies coincided with the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning much of the early teaching was delivered online.

“The first two years were mostly online, which meant missing out on some practical lessons,” he says. “But the lecturers did an amazing job. They kept us engaged, adapted the course, and made sure we caught up on the practical elements later.”

As restrictions eased, hands-on training became a central part of the course, including plant science, industry projects and external qualifications such as pesticide application — all designed to prepare students for careers in the sector.

One unexpected opportunity also helped shape Gary’s direction. While still studying, he took part in RTÉ Super Garden, designing and building a sensory garden.

“That’s when I experienced first-hand how sensory gardens can change lives,” he says. “It inspired me to specialise in this area, especially since few people in Northern Ireland are focusing on it.”

That experience helped shape the focus of his business today. Through Mindful Gardens, Gary designs sensory and wellness spaces — environments intended to support wellbeing through planting, layout and carefully chosen features.

The work is also deeply personal.

“As a parent of a child with autism, I understand the difference a well-designed sensory space can make. That lived experience helps me design with real empathy and purpose.”

Looking back, Gary acknowledges that changing direction later in life required patience and determination.

“Security and the unknown can hold people back,” he says. “I had to wait until my kids were old enough to make the change, and I was lucky to have an employer who supported me. Studying at CAFRE gave me the confidence and the skills to make this my full-time career. My advice is simple - once you decide to make the change, commit and make it happen as soon as possible.”

For anyone considering a similar change in direction, CAFRE will host a Horticulture Open Day on Wednesday 11 March at Greenmount Campus, with tours scheduled for 10.30am, 3pm and 6pm.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view facilities, meet staff and explore course options.

More information is available at www.cafre.ac.uk.

At a glance

• Gary Hegarty spent nearly 20 years working as a Senior Sports Designer with a national newspaper before changing career.

• Concern about the impact of AI on graphic design prompted him to explore new opportunities.

• He enrolled in a Foundation Degree in Horticulture at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus while continuing to work.

• Much of his early study took place during Covid-19 lockdowns, with practical training delivered later.

• While studying, he designed and built a sensory garden as part of RTÉ Super Garden.

• He now runs his own garden design business, Mindful Gardens, specialising in sensory and wellness spaces.

• CAFRE is hosting a Horticulture Open Day at Greenmount Campus on Wednesday 11 March with tours at 10.30am, 3pm and 6pm.