Dimity May is a 42-year-old seedling producer who has made her love of cultivating landscapes into a thriving way of life. Today, she lives on the tip of Glaziers Bay in south-east Lutruwita/Tasmania. Her journey began when she was on maternity leave with her first child. Since then, she has welcomed some big changes that exemplify her commitment to both her family and her new profession.
After the arrival of her second son, Dimity made a rather courageous leap. Her first instinct was to quit her secure government marketing and communications position in Canberra. Having this key moment made room for her to be more present for her family and really grow her passion for gardening. She moved to Canberra and over three years built a successful seedling sales business there. Next, she relocated to the deep south of Tasmania when her partner, Mark Egan, received a job opportunity in Hobart.
The changeover wasn’t quite as smooth as all that. Dimity and her family went through a phase of limbo, during which they lived in Canberra. The move has yielded positive changes. It’s no surprise that Dimity delights in seeing her land thrive. Over the course of the documentary, we see her care for the plants, we see her turn this very concrete space into a beautiful garden.
A New Chapter in Tasmania
Dimity’s path to becoming a professional gardener was decidedly influenced by her initiation into motherhood. After the birth of her first son, unexpected challenges brought her to a place where she felt like she was drowning. Creativity flourished, and gardening quickly became a crucial outlet.
“I had a tough time after my first baby … It was something that kind of pulled me out of that.” – Dimity May
Her passion grew throughout the years. She built her seedling operation, all while deftly juggling the challenges of being a new mother. The decision to leave her career in marketing allowed Dimity to dedicate herself fully to both her family and her evolving business.
Moving to Tasmania has given Dimity and her family the kind of chances they never thought possible. They make time for quality family time, making most of their afternoons at their local beach estuary or going on bushwalks. These experiences have ensured their families create beautiful memories while building a tighter family structure.
Finding Fulfillment in a Busy Life
Even though she’s relocated to what most would consider a slower pace of life, Dimity is busier than ever before. The gardening business is high pressure, but she loves the work so much that it’s extremely rewarding.
“It’s funny because everyone we know here had this sort of vague idea that we’ve moved to the country for a quieter life … and all of a sudden you’re busier than ever, but for me anyway it’s really fulfilling and incredibly rewarding,” – Dimity May
Her commitment to the plant world has rejuvenated her lifestyle and given her a greater sense of agency and achievement. For every seedling she grows, that’s evidence of her diligence and dedication.
Dimity’s husband Mark is on board with whatever Dimity wants to do. As a team, they face the struggles of being parents and the obstacles that come with advancing their careers and artistry. They believe in creating a wonderful life for themselves in Tasmania. Their shared vision continues to grow as they dedicate themselves to their family and their business.
Building a Legacy Through Gardening
As Dimity cultivates both plants and a nurturing environment for her family, she is actively building a legacy rooted in hard work and passion. Her complete 180 from the corporate world to being a seedling grower sheds light on the fulfilling, life-changing magic that occurs when you follow your passion.
Dimity’s journey is familiar to many women dreamers looking to carve out space for their individual passions outside of their family obligations. She exemplifies the idea that it is possible to turn a hobby into a lifestyle while maintaining close family ties.
