Neil Lucas is the Director of Knoll Gardens and has spent almost 30 year tending to the gardens and go the nursery there .
However , he is perhaps best known for his expert knowledge of cosmetic grasses – through his expertness both as a Council Member for the RHS and having write two print books on the bailiwick .
I was lucky enough to speak with Neil and disclose his beginnings in gardening , his association with Knoll Gardens and his unique perspective whengrowing ornamental grasses .
How Did You First Get Into Gardening?
“ When I was young , I spend my summer holidays going to see my grandfather , ” share Neil .
“ He had a very full-grown garden and was a peachy gardener , often growing dozens of dahliasand delphiniums .
“ follow what he did in the garden helped me discover my love of plants very early on in living . I think I can consist my dear of garden at my grandfather ’s feet ! ”
What Led You To A Career In Horticulture?
“ I started life in the civil service after college , but after a little while , I decided that life ’s a prospicient prison term and I wanted to do something more suited to what I enjoy . The office - based life was n’t for me !
“ I knew I loved plant and I require to see if I could make a go of it .
“ I commence as a nurseryman and I did that for a long time , but for the last 30 years , I have been at Knoll .
“ As well as a nurseryman , I now also start the baby’s room here along with my fellow Director Ross Humphrey . I ’m a gardener by genetics and a Nurseryman by trade . ”
What Does Gardening Mean To You?
“ It has had the deepest effect on me and mouth to just about everything I do and the attitudes I hold , ” Neil shares .
“ I appreciate the environment as I conceive more people are doing , and while I love plant as somebody , what gives me the large satisfaction is seeing these plants grow together in a garden .
“ I think plant life , not even gardening , have seeped into every part of my life history and I ca n’t pretend that I ’m not glad about it . ”
Can You Tell Us A Bit About Knoll Gardens And The History There?
“ We came to Knoll Gardens in 1994 , ” he says .
“ It was originally a Daucus carota sativa subject field that was planted up by John May , who release it into a private botanic garden , which was what first occupy us because there were one C of lovely , unusual woody industrial plant there .
“ It then briefly became a tourist attractive feature , but since we arrived we have gradually been create a naturalistic fashion garden that is good for wildlife as well as people .
“ Along the way , we earn that we call for the nursery for the money it provides that we can then put back into the garden .
“ Both the garden and the glasshouse have expire from strength to strength . ”
You’re An Expert On Ornamental Grass. What Is It About These Plants That You Find Interesting?
“ When I was young , I was really into trees and shrubs , fundamentally all the woody industrial plant , ” explains Neil .
“ When work in garden , I began to realise that grasses had the same form of effect as these works and were present in the landscape for a really tenacious meter . Of naturally , they have movement , but are the antonym to woody plants in many slipway .
“ I did n’t particularly want to be a specialist when we moved to Knoll , but we decide that we wanted to push the nursery and go to Chelsea , and specialising would give us more opportunities to be seen .
“ The grasses were always there and presented a readymade opportunity into that world – so I take it . ”
What Is Your Favourite Time Of Year To Be In The Garden And Why?
“ The autumn , without a doubt .
“ Having said that , I love any time of year when it ’s nice , but I ’m not trusted about the sozzled windy common cold .
“ I perfectly love autumn , partly because I fuck woody plants and their autumnal colours , but also the deciduous pasturage can look their absolute best in the fall .
“ The humbled sunshine , composure and clear days are also amazing . I almost bid that autumn could go on forever and a day . ”
You’ve Had An Incredible Career As A Horticulturist. Do You Have Any Standout Moments?
“ One standout has to be winning our first Gold Medal at Chelsea , ” shares Neil .
“ Although we ’d done some other show before and had won 3 Gold Medals , set out a Gold Medal ( our fourth ) , at our first show at Chelsea was so particular , because it ’s the world ’s ultimate efflorescence show .
“ For us , to be first - timers and to get atomic number 79 was a dreaming – we were delighted . ”
What’s Next For You? Do You Have Any Upcoming Projects You’d Like To Share With Our Readers?
“ The greenhouse continues to choose and offer up new plants , which we can institutionalise to our customer throughout the country by post fiat , ” Neil explains .
“ We have a selection program and wish to offer newfangled plants to broaden the kitchen stove . We pick out our plants with the UK climate in mind so that they will grow well in our customer ’ gardens .
“ From the garden position , I wish to have at least one project on the go . We did a major project last year and replanted our dragon garden . That was a huge project , so this year is a bit of a rest from that .
“ We ’re always trying to move ahead . ”
What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Gardeners?
“ Just go for it , ” he says .
“ Training and learning is good , but it has to be hard-nosed . Getting out there and find hand - on experience in what you will ultimately terminate up doing is the best affair – there is no substitute for being with flora .
“ You ca n’t do without that if you ’re going to be a good gardener . ”
