Ian Tocher

Horticulturist in the Trials Department at RHS Garden Wisley

A few years ago I was lucky enough to be awarded an RHS bursary to go on a study tour of four amazing American gardens

I’m a Horticulturist in the Trials Team at Wisley, where I look after a number of plant trials and I’m also responsible for growing a wide range of unusual pumpkins and squashes for RHS autumn events. I love working in trials because the work is so varied. As well as the everyday gardening tasks, my work involves pest and disease monitoring, tractor driving, keeping records of my work for the Trials Office and writing articles and blogs promoting the Trials Field.

I’ve had an interesting career in horticulture so far. I’ve gained the RHS Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture and worked in a number of high-profile gardens, including the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Waddesdon Manor and the beautiful public parks of Cambridge.

I have an interest in garden history, particularly North American parks and gardens. A few years ago I was lucky enough to be awarded an RHS bursary to go on a study tour of four amazing American gardens – New York Botanical Gardens, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Wave Hill and, the most amazing American garden of them all, Longwood. Outside of horticulture, my passion is modern architecture and I often spend my weekends visiting modern buildings, but this usually involves looking at the landscaping too!

Ian Tocher

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