Becomes a gardener after careers in football and forensics: Royal Parks manager shares journey
In the heart of The Royal Parks, a British gardener named Adam Stoter is making waves with his unique approach to gardening. Stoter's principles, rooted in a deep love for horticulture, revolve around creating harmonious spaces that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are beneficial for wildlife.
Stoter's earliest gardening memory dates back to a friend's flower shop, where he found solace and joy among the blooming petals. This early encounter sparked a lifelong passion that led him to pursue a career in horticulture. His journey began with an apprenticeship at The Royal Parks, a turning point that set him on his current path.
Stoter's garden design philosophy emphasises biodiversity and wildlife habitats. He prefers using plants that are native to the local ecosystem, creating gardens that work in harmony with nature rather than against it. His approach is sustainable and low-maintenance, favouring techniques that not only preserve the environment but also require minimal effort.
Stoter's gardens are a reflection of his artistic and creative spirit. He is particularly fond of mixed borders, reminiscent of cottage-style gardens, which allow him to express his personality and unique touches. One such plant that holds a special place in his garden is Geranium robertianum, a plant that was transferred from London to Essex.
In addition to his focus on nature, Stoter also values community. He advocates for sharing knowledge, seeds, plants, and resources with neighbours, fostering a sense of camaraderie among gardeners. This spirit of sharing was inspired by Lusine Lee, a gardener at Hyde Park who became a close friend and godfather to Stoter's son.
Stoter's infectious enthusiasm for teaching mirrors the ethos of The Royal Parks. He has spent extended periods at Great Dixter, learning from head gardener Fergus Garrett, and in 2021, he visited Great Dixter once more to continue his learning journey.
You can follow Stoter's gardening adventures on Instagram under the handle @adam_stoter. His work is a testament to the power of gardening as a means of connecting with nature, fostering community, and expressing one's creativity.
- Adam Stoter, a British gardener with a deep love for horticulture, uses native plants to create gardens that blend seamlessly with nature, promoting biodiversity in The Royal Parks.
- Stoter's design philosophy encompasses sustainable gardening techniques, favoring low-maintenance methods that not only preserve the environment but also reflect his artistic flair in mixed borders such as those reminiscent of cottage-style gardens.
- Geranium robertianum is one special plant in Stoter's garden, transported from London to Essex, symbolizing the unique connections he forms with other gardeners like Lusine Lee, a close friend who inspired his sharing of knowledge and resources in the home-and-garden community.
- Stoter's extensive knowledge in horticulture has been cultivated through apprenticeships, mentorship with Fergus Garrett at Great Dixter, and a lifelong passion ignited in childhood visits to flower shops.
- A pioneer in contemporary gardening, Stoter continues to share his expertise through his Instagram account @adam_stoter, highlighting the interplay of gardening, lifestyle, and nature in myriad gardens, reflecting the enduring beauty of both landscape and the artistry of gardens and gardening.
