Date published:
2 March 2026
After nearly two decades as a Senior Sports Designer with a national newspaper, Gary Hegarty decided it was time for a change.
With graphic design being increasingly challenged by the introduction of AI technology, he felt his career needed to take a new direction. What began as a quiet passion for gardening soon grew into an exciting idea – one that would lead him to the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise’s (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus, a Foundation degree in Horticulture, and eventually the launch of his own business, Mindful Gardens.
Having spent years experimenting in his own garden, Gary recognised an opportunity to turn a long‑standing interest into a new career. Living in the west of Northern Ireland, where few garden designers were based, he saw the potential to fill a gap in the market.
“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.”
Gary found the option to study a degree in Horticulture at CAFRE while researching course options online. The flexible routes offered by CAFRE and the ability to study part‑time were fundamental for his choice.
“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.”
“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.”
Although much of Gary’s experience at CAFRE took place during the Covid‑19 lockdowns he still made the most of returning to education.
“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.”
Those later years included hands‑on training, plant science, external qualifications such as pesticide application, and industry projects -all of which equipped him for the next step in his career.
While still studying, Gary took part in RTÉ Super Garden, where he designed and built 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.”
Today, Gary is a self‑employed garden designer running his own business, Mindful Gardens. He specialises in sensory and wellness spaces – a niche supported not just by training but by lived experience.
“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.”
Advice for others considering a career change
Reflecting on his studies and his achievements since graduating, Gary acknowledges that his journey took time and required courage.
“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.”
If like Gary, you are ready for a change in your career but not sure where or how to start, why not come to CAFRE’s Horticulture Open Day on Wednesday 11 March at Greenmount Campus. We have tours running at 10.30am, 3pm and 6pm. Come along for your chance to view our facilities, meet our staff and discuss your future. For more information, visit the CAFRE website.
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