I research plant diseases affecting RHS and member gardens, and provide plant health advice through our the RHS Garden Advice Service. I believe sustainable disease management is vital to protect the species that share our gardens
I’m fascinated by the interactions between plants and the pathogens that cause plant diseases. As an RHS plant pathologist, I study microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria and viruses, with my research focusing on diseases that affect RHS and member gardens. My goal is to provide science-based advice for management. I also respond to plant health enquiries through the RHS Garden Advice Service and at RHS Shows, and give educational talks on disease identification and control.
“What motivates me is the variety – no two days are alike, and every walk through the garden at RHS Wisley to RHS Hilltop feels unique. I’m continually inspired by the RHS Science team’s innovation and the ever-changing beauty of Wisley”
As a result of climate change and the growing global movement of plant material, our gardens are becoming favourable environments for new diseases to thrive. It is essential that we manage the increasing number of diseases in ways that minimise damage and protect the other species we share our green spaces with.
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.
