John Foley, the owner of Holden Clough Nurseries in Lancashire, has taken a deliberate step away from digital technology to work entirely offline. Over the past three years, Foley, 38, has progressively eliminated his reliance on devices and online tools, opting instead to manage his business and daily life using traditional, non-digital methods.

Foley’s transition began when he decided to give up his iPhone 14 after finding himself overwhelmed by constant notifications, emails, and texts. Concerned about the impact on his productivity and mental well-being, he removed his smartphone three years ago. Subsequently, he discontinued the use of his computer and replaced card payments with cash transactions. Two years ago, he went a step further by disconnecting from the internet altogether.

Since then, Foley has relied on handwritten reports, notes on chalkboards, and customer interactions primarily through a landline, mail, and email. This shift has led to a profound change in his daily routine and outlook. Foley said he found the process “very therapeutic and liberating,” emphasizing that reducing screen time — which once averaged nearly six hours per day — allowed him to regain control over his time and mental focus.

“My days feel four times as long and I now find myself living in the moment,” he said. Without constant connectivity, Foley explained, he no longer feels pressured to fill idle moments by compulsively checking his phone. Instead, he experiences improved quality of life, describing his mind as able to engage more deeply and thoughtfully.

The decision to go phone-free became definitive on June 13, 2023, following a business trip to London related to the development of an app called The Wonder Garden. The app was designed to enable customers to create custom garden layouts using artificial intelligence, linked to services provided by his nursery. However, a missed train due to forgetting a charger, combined with late-night texting, prompted Foley to reconsider his relationship with his phone. The very next day, he chose to forgo it entirely.

Following this change, Foley’s business ceased development of The Wonder Garden app and instead refocused on in-person services. Customers now communicate primarily through traditional channels. Looking ahead, Foley plans to launch a charity initiative that aims to create green spaces where children can safely disconnect from technology and learn gardening skills, promoting a connection with nature away from digital distractions.