Garden Designer and Horticultural Expert
Roger’s love of horticulture started at the age of 13 in which he later became formally trained before working on several nurseries in the UK and abroad. During this time Roger developed an interest in garden design and plant combinations, which led him to set up his own garden design business in 1989.
Roger’s sundries exhibits at the Chelsea Flower Show during the early 90s led to a garden exhibit at the 1995 show where he won Silver Gilt. Subsequently, Roger went on to claim many more medals at both Chelsea and Hampton Court, most notably his much acclaimed ‘Garden Open’ at Chelsea 2002 that won both a Gold Medal and Best Show Garden Award. In 2009 Roger won Silver-Gilt for his impressive floral exhibit ‘A Plantsman’s Palette’, a first for Roger in the Great Pavilion.
Since September 1996, Roger and his partner Jeanette have been developing a flourishing nursery in Edenbridge, a seven-acre site in the Kent countryside which is open, along with the design office, from Monday to Friday. Adjoining are his three-acre wildflower meadow and bluebell woodland. Roger’s private garden ‘Leydens’, updated in 2008 with continuing development, is opened to the public each summer for the popular NGS events.
Roger’s popularity has seen him on television, radio and in print media, and in 2004 he published his first book ‘Traditional Gardens’, with a second book on the way. He regularly gives talks to local groups, is a member of the Gardens Judging Panel for the RHS shows and is involved on several RHS committees.
Roger Platts is one of the most respected and demanded plantsmen in the UK.