Founder Story: Healing Through Nature with Father & Son Horticultural Dream Team, Nathan & Ruben Millett from NARU Landscaping. On creating Wellness Gardens & Sanctuaries for Mental Wellbeing & Clarity for Professionals Suffering from Burn Out & Stress
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Nathan and Ruben Millett's journey to founding NARU Landscaping began with personal transformation. After 20 years in specialized police units left Nathan with PTSD, he discovered nature's profound healing power – a simple vista of wall, cactus, and blue sky became his mental sanctuary. Meanwhile, Ruben, naturally skilled with his hands since childhood, was seeking his true calling after brief stints in electrical work and estate agency.
Their worlds collided over pints at "the NARU corner" of their local pub, where father and son realised their complementary skills could create something special. Combining their names (NAthon and RUben), they formed "NARU" – a name that serendipitously means "new beginnings" in Japanese and "growth" in Nigerian languages.
What distinguishes their approach is their revolutionary 10-point design system that flips traditional landscaping philosophy. Rather than forcing people to adapt to spaces, they create gardens that respond to emotional needs, functioning as "Control-Alt-Delete" reset buttons for stressed professionals. Every element – from seating positions to plant textures to water features – serves the garden owner's wellbeing.
This isn't just about aesthetics. Nathan's PTSD journey taught him how outdoor spaces can transform mental health, while Ruben's problem-solving mindset ensures these sanctuaries are both beautiful and functional. Together, they create more than gardens – they design outdoor therapeutic environments that help clients escape life's pressures without leaving home.
Whether you're seeking a complete garden transformation or just a thoughtful corner for mindful moments, NARU Landscaping invites you to reimagine your relationship with your outdoor space. Don't settle for the standard "patio, lawn, tree, bush" formula – discover how your garden can actively improve your wellbeing and quality of life.
Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.
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Chapters
1. Welcome to the Good Listening Show (00:00:00)
2. Meeting Nathan and Ruben Millett (00:06:00)
3. The Birth of Narrow Landscaping (00:16:00)
4. Wellness Gardens for Mental Health (00:27:00)
5. Life Influences and Career Journeys (00:34:00)
6. Finding Peace in Natural Spaces (00:42:00)
7. Problem-Solving and Emotional Garden Design (00:54:00)
8. Unique Philosophies and Future Vision (01:05:00)
9. Closing Thoughts and Contact Information (01:12:00)
250 episodes