As assistant park manager at The Royal Parks, Adam is proud to support the budding gardeners who follow in his footsteps on its apprenticeship scheme. Portrait Andrew Montgomery <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Earliest gardening memory <\/strong>When I was a child, I was like a bull in a china shop. Always energetic, I never stayed still, except in one place \u2013 my mother\u2019s friend\u2019s flower shop. There I\u2019d become more like Disney\u2019s Ferdinand the Bull, relaxed and content, enjoying the scent of flowers.<\/p>\n You may also like:<\/strong><\/p>\n First plant love<\/strong> I thought the dock plant was magic after my first brush with stinging nettles as a child. My mother reached for a leaf to crush and rub on to the sting.<\/p>\n What did you do before gardening?<\/strong> Initially, football. I left an academy at 17, and worked as a lifeguard and labourer before going back to college and then university to study forensic science. I dropped out after discovering a passion for gardening during a summer working at Hyde Park.<\/p>\n Who inspired your career the most?<\/strong> Lusine Lee, a Hyde Park gardener. He inspired in me \u2013 a 21-year-old who had never gardened before \u2013 a lifelong love of horticulture. He became a close friend and godfather to my son.<\/p>\n Remember that you are never alone in a garden. Even in moments of solitude, you are part of something greater.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Horticultural hero<\/strong> After years of longing, I finally got to visit Great Dixter<\/a> in 2021. I have since stayed there for weeks at a time, learning from head gardener Fergus Garrett<\/a>. His infectious enthusiasm for teaching mirrors what I strive for at The Royal Parks.<\/p>\n Favourite garden that has influenced you<\/strong> In the 1970s, a derelict wasteland in the shadow of Trellick Tower in west London was reclaimed by the community and transformed into Meanwhile Gardens. I played there as a child without knowing the history. It\u2019s a testament to the power of communities that come together.<\/p>\n Most valuable training<\/strong> Applying for The Royal Parks apprenticeship was without doubt the best decision I made in my horticultural journey. Who would have guessed that my passion for plants would take me travelling to visit gardens and learn about gardening?<\/p>\n Favourite \u2018weed\u2019 you\u2019re happy to have in your garden<\/strong> Geranium robertianu<\/em>m has a special place in my garden. From growing between brick walls in London, it has come with me to Essex. Its dainty pink blooms and delicate leaves bring a touch of wild beauty, reminding me of nature\u2019s resilience and the simple joys found in unexpected places.<\/p>\n Plant for pollinators and caterpillars, build habitats and share the garden with them. Be artistic, be creative.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n One thing every gardener can do to be more sustainable<\/strong> Speak to your neighbours. Foster a sense of community by sharing knowledge, seeds, plants and resources.<\/p>\n Favourite planting style<\/strong> I enjoy the mixed borders of cottage-style gardens, especially when they bring to life the gardener\u2019s own personality, creativity and quirky touches.<\/p>\n\n
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