Posted:24-September-2025
Lawn expert marks first year helping Mid Staffs gardens flourish
From back gardens in Lichfield to family lawns in Wolverhampton and beyond, households across Mid Staffordshire have seen their outdoor spaces transformed over the past year, thanks to Greensleeves Lawn Care Mid Staffs. Leading the charge is local resident John Lilburne, who this month celebrates his first anniversary running the much-loved lawn care service.
“It’s been such a rewarding year,” said John. “When I first took on the business, I knew I wanted it to be about more than just looking after lawns. I wanted it to be about people too – building real connections with local families and helping them make the most of their outdoor spaces.
“What I’ve loved most is seeing how happy people are when their gardens start to flourish. It’s not just about the grass – it’s about the spaces where children play, where families gather and where memories are made. Being part of that feels really special.”
Community has been at the heart of John’s approach from day one. Over the past year, Greensleeves Mid Staffs has donated treatments to local charity raffles, offered free support to households who might not otherwise have access to lawn care, and gone the extra mile for customers in small but meaningful ways.
“One of the best things about this business is the little moments,” John explained. “It could be helping someone carry something inside, bringing in bins on a rainy day or sharing advice on lawn care, even with people who aren’t yet customers. Those small gestures really make a difference. People often tell me they’re surprised I give advice freely, but for me it’s about building trust. If someone feels I’ve genuinely helped them, they’ll remember that and come back when they need support. That personal approach has been a big part of why this first year has been so enjoyable.”
The positive response from local households has been so strong that John has already been able to extend his service into South Staffordshire, something he says came sooner than expected. “When I started, I thought it would take years before I could think about working in a wider area,” he said. “But the support from the community has been incredible, and it’s given me the confidence to grow faster than I ever imagined. Knowing that more families can benefit from what we do is really exciting, and I’ll always be grateful to everyone who’s welcomed us into their gardens.”
Looking back over the past 12 months, John says he feels proud of what he and his team have achieved – while also looking forward to the future.
“The last year has flown by, but it’s been full of wonderful moments,” he said. “I’ve seen gardens completely transformed, built a fantastic team, and met so many brilliant people along the way. I feel really lucky to do this work, and I can’t wait to see how many more gardens we can help thrive in the year ahead.”
As John looks ahead to 2026, he’s keen to bring more like-minded team members on board as he continues to grow his business.
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