Blue Peter gardener and star of BBC series The Plantsman, Chris Collins is to become Garden Organic’s latest Ambassador.
Chris Collins will begin his new role with immediate effect after agreeing to become a Garden Organic Ambassador for the next 12 months. Having already proved a great ally and supporter of Garden Organic, in particular with the charity’s work with schools and community groups, Chris is now set to become a valuable addition to the charity’s current group of Ambassadors.
The role will see Chris support Garden Organic’s charitable aims and activities, including attendance at a number of forthcoming events, and his involvement in the charity’s programmes and campaigns work. Chris will also play a role in a number of training sessions planned for school groups at the Ryton Gardens site.
Chris Collins, said: “It’s a proud moment for me becoming an ambassador for Garden Organic, an organisation that really does have the subject of horticulture at its very heart .
“It understands the importance of gardening not just as a means of growing and nurturing plants , important enough in itself but also the social implications of its nature, capable of bringing together all walks of life together in a common cause. More importantly for me personally, the organisation practises what it preaches, reaching out to fellow gardeners with the view to passing on important skills.
“This is expressed through its work with food growing, the Master Composters and its input into school gardening. Garden Organic has a lot to offer for the future and I look forward to contributing to this valuable work.”
Myles Bremner, Garden Organic Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris Collins into the Garden Organic family of ambassadors and advocates. His extensive experience and knowledge of gardening and reputation within the industry make Chris an excellent choice to help us showcase the important and vital work of the charity.
“We look forward to developing a strong friendship with Chris and fully involving him in the work and activities of the organisation.”
Chris Collins will become Garden Organic’s tenth official ambassador and in doing so joins an impressive roll call of individuals who support the work of the organisation. These include organic gardening expert Bob Flowerdew, actress Thelma Barlow and TV gardening personalities James Wong and Alys Fowler.
Chris Collins began his gardening career in 1984 as an apprentice gardener at Brighton Parks department followed five years later by entry to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh. After various horticultural adventures abroad, Chris returned to the UK for a spell at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, before later moving on to be Head Gardener at Westminster Abbey.
In 2002 he entered the world of television, securing his own BBC 2 series The Plantsman, which was followed by regular TV appearances on a host of gardening programmes including The Chelsea Flower Show, Garden Challenge, Secret Gardens and Gardeners World. Since 2004 he has been the resident Blue Peter gardener working both on screen and with the presenters in keeping an eye on one of the country’s favourite gardens.