Chris knew he wanted to spend his life working with plants since 4 years of age when he was given a propagator and packet of seeds for his birthday.
He says: “Even now, I still get that tingle of excitement every time I plant a seed and watch it germinate and flourish into a new plant.
“During my youth I spent school holidays and weekends working for the local nurseryman, doing everything from collecting trolleys, re-stocking the beds to giving my first piece of plant advice aged 14.
“I went on to train in Horticulture at Pershore College and then developed my career by working in a number of areas from research and marketing with a leading wholesale nursery, to becoming a Landscape Architect, a College Lecturer and a television presenter and writer. However, I remain a committed gardener and my work will always reflect this."
Chris was a lecturer in Horticulture and at Pershore College from 1997-2001 and as it is an area that he is absolutely passionate about and committed to he maintains his links with educational institutions around the country including:
- University College Falmouth – External Examiner
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - moderator, lecturer and advisor
- University of Gloucester – regular lecturer
- RHS Lecturer
Chris’ integrity and wealth of experience has been recognised academically with the following appointments:
- Regular RHS Judge at The RHS Chelsea, Hampton & Tatton Shows
- Judge at the Sandringham & Shrewsbury Flower Shows and Arley Hall’s Garden Festival
- Honorary Fellow at Cheltenham & Gloucester University – when he was awarded the fellowship in 2004 he was the University’s youngest ever fellow
Chris is a keen supporter and ambassador for a number of organisations and charities, in particular: The Woodland Trust, The Wildlife Trust, WRAP, The RSPB, The Salvation Army, The Environment Agency, The National Lottery – Good Causes, The British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Garden Photographer of the Year, Forest Schools & the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Chris also supports the RNLI and has a rose named after him which was launched in 2007.