Nigel Hopes is Head Gardener for John Massey in his private garden in the West Midlands. He did is work experience at Ashwood before going on to study at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, where added to his experience with with placements at RHS Garden Wisley and a plant hunting trip in South Africa.

Nigel will talk about the gardening year in the context of his work at Ashwood with highlights through the year and plenty of practical advice.  “John’s Garden” is a 3 acre private garden created by nursery owner and Chelsea Gold medallist, John Massey.  Regarded as one of the finest private gardens in the UK, it features island beds, informal borders, woodland dells and a wildlife garden, all set against the backdrop of the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal.