‘Couch ouch grass helps me to work out!’
The first plant I ever grew
My father was in the army, so we moved a lot when I was a child. It wasn’t until I had my own garden in my 20s that I really became interested in plants. The first thing I grew was a lawn – ryegrass and fescue. Then I also sprinkled some poppy seeds ( Papaver rhoeas) into the borders and was immediately struck by how quick and easy they were to grow.
My favourite plant in the world
It’s impossible to choose a favourite, but Amelanchier
lamarckii is one I use most. It’s a beautiful, graceful, small tree that has everything you could want – beautiful flowers in spring, edible fruit in summer and brilliant, orangered foliage in autumn.
The plant that changed my life
My small garden was getting overwhelmed with plants when I discovered ornamental grass, Anemanthele lessoniana. Its beautiful arching lines, movement and shades of gold and copper added a wonderful contrast to other plants. It changed the way I thought about border design.
The plant that has made me work hardest
I’m constantly doing battle with couch grass. It runs throughout the borders and I spend a huge amount of time lifting herbaceous perennials to try and combat it. I look at it as a workout!
The plant I would like to grow more
I have a great love of Asiatic primulas, but don’t have the right growing conditions in my own garden. I grow them in clients’ gardens so I can enjoy them whenever and wherever I can.
The plant I am in human form
On my RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden last year, I grew lots of bright orange shrub rose ‘Westerland’. People told me they were me in plant form. I hope it’s because they’re bright, enthusiastic and colourful!
The plant I would always give away as a gift
Many of my friends are gardeners so I rarely give plants as gifts. The last one I gave was a cobra lily I dug up from my RHS
Hampton Court garden. I gave it to designer Cleve West, but have no idea whether it went to his allotment or on the compost heap!