Keeping them in shape – Pruning – the why, when and how?
Philip began his career as a student at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and then studied at Pershore College of Horticulture for the National Certificate in Horticulture. On leaving college he took a nursery managers post in Dorset growing camellias, clematis and cut flowers. He returned to the Midlands to work at a retail nursery. These were then just starting to be called ‘Garden Centres’ and in time was promoted to Managing Director.
He joined the Birmingham City’s Parks Department as a lecturer at the Horticultural Training School in 1974 and was promoted to Divisional Parks Manager in 1979, overseeing one third of the City’s parks and open spaces. While teaching at the Training School, he also studied for the RHS National Diploma in Horticulture, now called Master of Horticulture.
In 1987 Philip was appointed Director of Birmingham Botanical Gardens where he was responsible for many innovations and improvements. he retired in 2007 and now has more time to give talks and demonstrations.
