Neil Lucas Has Won 10 RHS Gold Medals – This Is His Advice For Aspiring Gardeners

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Neil Lucas is the Director of Knoll Gardens and has spent almost 30 years tending to the gardens and running the nursery there.

However, he is perhaps best known for his expert knowledge of ornamental grasses – through his expertise both as a Council Member for the RHS and having written two published books on the subject.

I was lucky enough to speak with Neil and discover his beginnings in horticulture, his association with Knoll Gardens and his unique perspective when growing ornamental grasses.

Please note that imagery in this guide was provided with permission by Neil Lucas.

How Did You First Get Into Gardening?

“When I was younger, I spent my summer holidays going to see my grandfather,” shares Neil.

“He had a very big garden and was a keen gardener, often growing lots of dahlias and delphiniums.

“Watching what he did in the garden helped me discover my love of plants very early in life. I think I can lay my love of gardening at my grandfather’s feet!”

What Led You To A Career In Horticulture?

“I started life in the civil service after college, but after a little while, I decided that life’s a long time and I wanted to do something more suited to what I loved. The office-based life wasn’t for me!

“I knew I loved plants and I wanted to see if I could make a go of it.

“I started as a gardener and I did that for a long time, but for the last 30 years, I have been at Knoll.

“As well as a gardener, I now also run the nursery here along with my fellow Director Ross Humphrey. I’m a gardener by genetics and a Nurseryman by trade.”

What Does Gardening Mean To You?

“It has had the deepest effect on me and speaks to just about everything I do and the attitudes I hold,” Neil shares.

“I appreciate the environment as I think more people are doing, and while I love plants as individuals, what gives me the greatest satisfaction is seeing these plants growing together in a garden.

“I think plants, not even gardening, have seeped into every part of my life and I can’t pretend that I’m not happy about it.”

Can You Tell Us A Bit About Knoll Gardens And The History There?

“We came to Knoll Gardens in 1994,” he says.

“It was originally a carrot field that was planted up by John May, who turned it into a private botanic garden, which was what first interested us because there were hundreds of lovely, unusual woody plants there.

“It then briefly became a tourist attraction, but since we arrived we have gradually been creating a naturalistic style garden that is good for wildlife as well as people.

“Along the way, we realised that we needed the nursery for the money it provides that we can then put back into the garden.

“Both the garden and the nursery have gone from strength to strength.”

You’re An Expert On Ornamental Grass. What Is It About These Plants That You Find Interesting?

“When I was young, I was really into trees and shrubs, basically all the woody plants,” explains Neil.

“When working in gardens, I began to realise that grasses had the same kind of effect as these plants and were present in the landscape for a really long time. Of course, they have movement, but are the opposite to woody plants in many ways.

“I didn’t particularly want to be a specialist when we moved to Knoll, but we decided that we wanted to push the nursery and go to Chelsea, and specialising would give us more opportunities to be seen.

“The grasses were always there and presented a readymade opportunity into that world – so I took it.”

What Is Your Favourite Time Of Year To Be In The Garden And Why?

“The autumn, without a doubt.

“Having said that, I love any time of year when it’s nice, but I’m not sure about the wet windy cold.

“I absolutely love autumn, partly because I love woody plants and their autumnal colours, but also the deciduous grasses can look their absolute best in the autumn.

“The low sunshine, calmness and clear days are also amazing. I almost wish that autumn could go on forever.”

You’ve Had An Incredible Career As A Horticulturist. Do You Have Any Standout Moments?

“One standout has to be winning our first Gold Medal at Chelsea,” shares Neil.

“Although we’d done some other shows before and had won 3 Gold Medals, getting a Gold Medal (our 4th), at our first show at Chelsea was so special, because it’s the world’s ultimate flower show.

“For us, to be first-timers and to get gold was a dream – we were delighted.”

What’s Next For You? Do You Have Any Upcoming Projects You’d Like To Share With Our Readers?

“The nursery continues to select and offer new plants, which we can send to our customers throughout the country by mail order,” Neil explains.

“We have a selection program and like to offer new plants to widen the range. We select our plants with the UK climate in mind so that they will grow well in our customers’ gardens.

“From the garden perspective, I like to have at least one project on the go. We did a major project last year and replanted our dragon garden. That was a huge project, so this year is a bit of a rest from that.

“We’re always trying to move forward.”

What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Gardeners?

“Just go for it,” he says.

“Training and learning is good, but it has to be practical. Getting out there and finding hands-on experience in what you will ultimately end up doing is the best thing – there is no substitute for being with plants.

“You can’t do without that if you’re going to be a good gardener.”