Monday, 17 June 2024 at 8:00 pm - 9:15 pm
Steve has been perfecting his art for 28 years. After studying at Hadlow College in Horticulture and Merrist Wood college studying Arboriculture, he spent several years as a highly respected private gardener, tree surgeon and designer. In 2005, he joined The Salutation to helm its huge restoration project, setting out a 5-year plan of restoration that was completed on time and within budget, the gardens are recognised as amongst the finest in the country winning multiple awards.
Steeped in the practical art of gardening, Steve uses direct observation and his love of the natural world to supplement his technical skills as a grower, breeder, horticulturalist and arboriculturalist. His drive for creativity and experimentation ensures the scope of his expertise continues to encompass new horizons.
Accolades include appointment to the RHS Herbaceous Committee and membership of the RHS plant trial forums, multiple RHS Gold medal winner, Steve has appeared on tv several times including Gardeners world.
Previous trials include, Zinnia (chairman), cosmos, new guinea impatiens, Dahlia, zantedeschia, calibrachoa and Agapanthus, current trials Steve is working on are Nepeta and Persicaria.
He is a contributor to numerous professional publications and contributes to the award-winning “Sunday Gardening” show on BBC Radio Kent. At the 2016 Chelsea Flower Show, Steve’s collaboration with the French iris breeder Cayeux Iris received a Gold Medal in the floral marquee, something he replicated for a second time in 2017. Also in 2017 Steve won a silver-gilt at the London autumn show and received the “new design” award for innovation.
In 2018 Steve and The salutation garden won Gold at RHS Hampton Court flower show in the floral marque for a display of exotic plants
In 2019 Steve won a Gold medal at Chelsea and later that year won Gold and the coveted “Tudor rose award” for best in show at Hampton court flower show.
In 2019 Steve and The Salutation won a gold award from Kent wildlife trust for gardening for wildlife, The Salutation was the only garden open to the public to receive this award.