With 40 years of experience in the industriousness , Andy McIndoe has established himself as one of the leading Horticulturists in the UK .
During his time at Hillier Nurseries , he was responsible for fortwenty - fiveconsecutive Gold Medal win exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show .
He receivedthe RHS Veitch Memorial Medalin 2017 for his body of work – one of the most prestigious awards in the world of gardening .
I speak to Andy about his early life history , his cognitive operation for design gardens and some of the standout moments from his 40 years in the industriousness .
Where Did Your Relationship With The Garden Start?
“ I was always into gardening , ” says Andy .
“ I grew up in Leamington Spa , Warwickshire . We had a typical long garden of the time with some rosaceous bed , a few shrubs , a vegetable garden and a span of apple tree . We also had a diminutive pond – I ’ve always had a enchantment for water .
“ My mother was quite a knifelike nurseryman and had a pocket-size greenhouse . I spent a circumstances of time in the garden , growing anything that I found interesting . I grew eff plants from seed and sold them to the neighbour which fundedmy interestingness in tropic plants – a challenge in a household without central heating plant that was very cold !
Image credit: Columba Colivet
“ I long to grow orchids and by the time I hit 12 , I had already start out to acquire a few , which shin for existence on the window ledge of our front room . I took over the greenhouse , line it with polythene from the dry cleaners and heated it with a second - hand paraffin warmer .
“ I was amazingly successful – my hobby needed support so I after got a Saturday job at a garden shop . I was also interested in prime and fascinated by floristry which I had a dash for . I get down entering floral art competition and won a few prizes .
The owner of the shop class I worked at encouraged me and I found myself working in the florist shop as much as the garden side of the business .
Image credit: Columba Colivet
“ My parent were rattling at following my impulse to attend orchidaceous plant shows , visit garden and horticultural shows , admit Chelsea , where I made my first visit when I was 12 . ”
What Led You To A Career In Horticulture?
“ I never want to do anything else . I had thought I might go to a horticultural college because I loved the virtual side . However , Kenilworth Grammar School was University focussed . I was the first scholar that had ever say he only need to do a stage in Horticulture !
“ I went to Bath University in 1974 . It was the only sandwich course of study with 3 periods in diligence over a 4 - class period . I bonk Bath , university sprightliness and my work experience .
“ My first placement was Birmingham Amenities and Recreation dept and my secondment was at an independent nursery , garden nerve center and landscape business near Bristol . This one only happen because my locating with an orchid nursery fell through !
“ In my third year , I puzzle out for Bruns Pflanzen in North Germany . This was dispute , but I loved it and Germany . I thought I would go back after university , but I get a job with Hillier as assistant manager of Winchester Garden Centre . That was in 1978 and I finish up remain with Hillier for 37 years ! ”
What Is Your Process For Designing Gardens? What Are You Inspired By?
“ I always make the tip that I am not a Garden Designer but I design lot of gardens , ” explains Andy . “ I am prompt by planting and the departure it makes .
“ Sometimes we leave that garden are made of plants rather than paving , fence and piece of furniture ! As window get bigger , you would think that the mind-set becomes all the more important , but architects often seem to brush off the exterior .
“ I concentrate on practicality and how the garden will be maintain in the future . I also centre on the principal point the garden is seen from , how the boundaries are softened and how privacy can be achieved .
“ The client needs to have an idea of how much they are prepared to spend and also how long they are proceed to endure there . The latter seems to be all the more important today . ”
What Does Gardening & Horticulture Mean To You?
“ For me , gardening is a way of life , ” he says .
“ I have been lucky to work in the diligence at such a time of modification . The range of plant available to gardeners is huge today compare to that of 50 years ago . garden and how we use them have changed . The path that we buy plants has changed .
“ When I started in garden centres , they only sold plants , lots of peat , compost , houseplants and perchance slew covers , pots and a few chemicals .
“ I think the best matter about horticulture is that it is forward - thought process . You are always reckon forrad to the next season : preparation , planting and cultivating . The same is true if you are go to make a successful career of it – you have to think ahead . ”
What Are Your Standout Career Moments?
“ I ’ve been favorable that I have had so many great opportunities over the geezerhood , ” Andy Mus .
“ Having been a part of the Chelsea Flower Show for over 35 years , Chelsea has always been a high spot .
“ For any shower , meeting Her Majesty The Queen was always an unforgettable here and now . When I leave behind Hillier , I became involved inJardin Blancwith Raymond Blanc and had 6 wonderful years creating the garden and flowers for Jardin Blanc at Chelsea .
“ I now have the delight of sharing my sexual love of the show with group of visitors during show week . ”
Do You Have Any Upcoming Projects That You’d Like To Share With Our Readers?
“ I have a number of garden that I am function on at the here and now – magnanimous and diminished . I do enjoy working on low spaces , they really make you think . The plant need to work hard to earn their keep and you require to think hard about your choices .
“ I have been forge free-lance for eight eld and I do like to stay on involved in many of the gardens I have created . garden do not stand still , so further input keeps them fresh .
“ My married woman and I host a numeral of garden tours each year and go for to carry on to do that . We also open our garden to groups , mostly in midsummer . During lockdown , groups struggled to plan , but I have more enquiries coming in for lectures and garden visit for next year . ”
What Advice Do You Have For Those Wanting To Give Gardening A Go Professionally?
“ It ’s not a manner of walking in the parking area as a life history ! ” he jokes . “ You will need to work at it .
“ If you project to do this as a ego - employ full - time business , call back that you are running a business and it will be more than a 9 - 5 problem and more than 5 mean solar day a calendar week .
“ You are unlikely to be rich , but if you love it you will be felicitous . horticulture , gardeners and plants are all undervalued , so it ’s up to you to make them worth it . ”
