Andy McIndoe: The Horticulturist With 25 Consecutive Gold Medal Exhibits At Chelsea

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With 40 years of experience in the industry, Andy McIndoe has established himself as one of the leading Horticulturists in the UK.

During his time at Hillier Nurseries, he was responsible for twenty-five consecutive Gold Medal winning exhibits at the Chelsea Flower Show.

He received the RHS Veitch Memorial Medal in 2017 for his work – one of the most prestigious awards in the world of horticulture.

I spoke to Andy about his early career, his process for designing gardens and some of the standout moments from his 40 years in the industry.

Imagery in this article has been provided with permission by Andy McIndoe.

Where Did Your Relationship With The Garden Start?

“I was always into gardening,” says Andy.

“I grew up in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. We had a typical long garden of the time with some rose beds, a few shrubs, a vegetable garden and a couple of apple trees. We also had a tiny pond – I’ve always had a fascination for water.

“My mother was quite a keen gardener and had a small greenhouse. I spent a lot of time in the garden, growing anything that I found interesting. I grew bedding plants from seed and sold them to the neighbours which funded my interest in tropical plants – a challenge in a house without central heating that was very cold!

“I longed to grow orchids and by the time I reached 12, I had already started to acquire a few, which struggled for existence on the window ledge of our front room. I took over the greenhouse, lined it with polythene from the dry cleaners and heated it with a second-hand paraffin heater.

“I was surprisingly successful – my hobby needed funding so I later got a Saturday job at a garden shop. I was also interested in flowers and fascinated by floristry which I had a flair for. I started entering floral art competitions and won a few prizes.

The owner of the shop I worked at encouraged me and I found myself working in the florist as much as the garden side of the business.

“My parents were wonderful at following my whims to attend orchid shows, visit gardens and horticultural shows, including Chelsea, where I made my first visit when I was 12.”

What Led You To A Career In Horticulture?

“I never wanted to do anything else. I had thought I might go to a horticultural college because I loved the practical side. However, Kenilworth Grammar School was University focussed. I was the first student that had ever said he only wanted to do a degree in Horticulture!

“I went to Bath University in 1974. It was the only sandwich course with 3 periods in industry over a 4-year period. I loved Bath, university life and my work experience.

“My first placement was Birmingham Amenities and Recreation dept and my second was at an independent nursery, garden centre and landscape business near Bristol. This one only happened because my placement with an orchid nursery fell through!

“In my third year, I worked for Bruns Pflanzen in North Germany. This was challenging, but I loved it and Germany. I thought I would go back after university, but I got a job with Hillier as assistant manager of Winchester Garden Centre. That was in 1978 and I ended up staying with Hillier for 37 years!”

What Is Your Process For Designing Gardens? What Are You Inspired By?

“I always make the point that I am not a Garden Designer but I design lots of gardens,” explains Andy. “I am inspired by planting and the difference it makes.

“Sometimes we forget that gardens are made of plants rather than paving, fences and furniture! As windows get bigger, you would think that the outlook becomes all the more important, but architects often seem to ignore the outside.

“I focus on practicality and how the garden will be maintained in the future. I also focus on the main point the garden is seen from, how the boundaries are softened and how privacy can be achieved.

“The client needs to have an idea of how much they are prepared to spend and also how long they are going to live there. The latter seems to be all the more important today.”

What Does Gardening & Horticulture Mean To You?

“For me, gardening is a way of life,” he says.

“I have been lucky to work in the industry at such a time of change. The range of plants available to gardeners is vast today compared to that of 50 years ago. Gardens and how we use them have changed. The way that we buy plants has changed.

“When I started in garden centres, they only sold plants, lots of peat, compost, houseplants and maybe pot covers, pots and a few chemicals.

“I think the best thing about gardening is that it is forward-thinking. You are always looking forward to the next season: planning, planting and cultivating. The same is true if you are going to make a successful career of it – you have to think ahead.”

What Are Your Standout Career Moments?

“I’ve been lucky that I have had so many great opportunities over the years,” Andy muses.

“Having been a part of the Chelsea Flower Show for over 35 years, Chelsea has always been a highlight.

“For any exhibitor, meeting Her Majesty The Queen was always an unforgettable moment. When I left Hillier, I became involved in Jardin Blanc with Raymond Blanc and had 6 wonderful years creating the garden and flowers for Jardin Blanc at Chelsea.

“I now have the pleasure of sharing my love of the show with groups of visitors during show week.”

Do You Have Any Upcoming Projects That You’d Like To Share With Our Readers?

“I have a number of gardens that I am working on at the moment – large and small. I do enjoy working on small spaces, they really make you think. The plants need to work hard to earn their keep and you need to think hard about your choices.

“I have been working freelance for eight years and I do like to remain involved in many of the gardens I have created. Gardens do not stand still, so further input keeps them fresh.

“My wife and I host a number of garden tours each year and hope to continue to do that. We also open our garden to groups, mostly in midsummer. During lockdown, groups struggled to plan, but I have more enquiries coming in for lectures and garden visits for next year.”

What Advice Do You Have For Those Wanting To Give Gardening A Go Professionally?

“It’s not a walk in the park as a career!” he jokes. “You will need to work at it.

“If you plan to do this as a self-employed full-time job, remember that you are running a business and it will be more than a 9-5 job and more than 5 days a week.

“You are unlikely to be rich, but if you love it you will be happy. Gardening, gardeners and plants are all undervalued, so it’s up to you to make them worth it.”