Do you have any connections with Essex?
I was born in Essex and spent three years doing a horticultural degree at Writtle College just outside of Chelmsford.
Do you have a favourite place in Essex?
Maldon where the sea salt comes from is perhaps my favourite place in Essex. I'm a big fan of coastal towns - they have a lovely 'feel' to them and Maldon is no exception - especially in the summer. What would you be if you weren't a gardener?
I'd probably be a carpenter or bricklayer - another vocation where you can also get 'dirty-hands-creative' What inspires you?
Enthusiasm. Do you have any heroes?
Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, gardeners/ designers like Alan Titchmarsh, Piet Oudolf and Noel Kingsbury. And a couple of the people I'm lucky enough to work with on a regular basis. Not 'heroes' as such - just people I really admire. Do you get any odd fan mail?
No. Just nice stuff from people who like what I'm doing. What's your garden like?
I live in a flat so my garden is my balcony. It's not the biggest but it is packed full of numerous beauties (I've got to stop adding to it, I couldn't move out there this morning!). I've also finally got an allotment about a month ago which is very exciting - my head is literally spinning with ideas! Do you put off doing the gardening at home because it's too much like work?
Never. I'm very fortunate in that my work is my passion. Many people use their gardens to switch off from work etc, what do you do to switch off?
I garden, go for a beer with my buddies or throw on a CD. What advice would you give a new gardener? - Take your time.
- Don't impulse buy - do some careful research before you purchase anything.
- Know the characteristics of your garden and choose your plants accordingly - don't fight your space!
- Talk to people. Gardeners/ nurserymen/ women are friendly folk usually all too willing to help.
|
What keeps you awake at night?
Knowing my lilies will ultimately get desecrated by lily beetle! Every year the damn things have a field day, ultimately chomping my plants to death. It's a constant battle one I never seem to win. Why don't I choose something else to grow? There's nothing like a regal lily in flower - the scent is intoxicating! What's the last CD you bought?
Giant 45 - Norman Jay MBE
Marvin Gaye - Midnight Love
Isaac Hayes - Groove-A-Thon
Cheryl Lynn - Cheryl Lynn
The Beatles anthology I can never just buy one! Describe yourself in three words
Ask my girlfriend … | 
