Gettig to know you

Kenneth Cox is managing director of Glendoick Garden Centre near Perth. The talented plantsman gets down to earth with us...

Q Which gardeners or gardening writers, alive or dead, inspire you?

A My grandfather Euan Cox, plant hunter Frank Kingdon Ward and Christopher Lloyd. Q What was your plan B, careerwise? A I was a teacher for a while. Q Your house is on fire, what one item do you save? A My piano. Q Theme song for your life? A Leozinho by Caetano Velloso. Q Last meal on earth? A I’m not sure I’d be hungry. Q Dream dinner party guests? A Nick Cave, Germaine Greer, Obama. Q First thing you’d do if you won £1 million? A Employ a gardener. Q Quiet night in or big night out? A Quiet night out. Q City break or weekend in the country? A City (I live in the country). Q Early bird or night owl? A Night owl. Q Save it or spend it? A Both. Q Couch potato or fitness fanatic? A Neither. Q Home or abroad? A Abroad. Q Rebel rebel or teacher’s pet? A Rebel but a clever rebel... Q Early or late? A On time. Q Cats or dogs? A Dogs. Q Sweet or savoury? A Both. Q Happiest memory? A My wedding and my children. Q And most embarrassing? A Oh come on!

Q A Biggest Nothing major. regret? Q A What The books are you I have proudest written. of? Q A Who It changes do you regularly. admire Often most? the author of the last great book I read. Q A And The owner who do and you editor detest? of a certain daily tabloid. Q If you could turn back the clock what one thing would you change? A Nothing. Q Who would you like to thank? A My parents, my wife. Q What advice would you give to your younger self? A The ’80s was a bad time to make fashion decisions. Q What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?

A Some expeditions in search of plants have been really at the limit of endurance. Q Hardest thing you’ve had to give up? A Things come to a natural end. Q Could you save someone’s life if they were dying in the street? A I’d try. Q Do you give money to beggars? A Occasionally. If they are playing music, more often. Q Write your own epitaph? A He never stopped. Q What keeps you awake at night? A I sleep very well. Q What three words would your best friend use to describe you? A Loyal, funny, good company, a bit arrogant. Q And your biggest critic? A Know all.

l Woodland Gardening by Kenneth Cox is published by Glendoick Publishing, £40. Order from a local bookshop or call 01738 860260 or visit www.glendoick.com

Picture: Getty Images. All fired up: Mr Cox would save his piano if his house was on fire.