Glorious Gardens Competition

How’s your garden growing? As we head through spring it’s a busy time and we will want to see the fruits of your labour.

- Simon Roberts

WHILE some people discover the pleasures of gardening by chance, for many it’s a joy handed down through the generations, and that’s certainly the case for one of our judges this year.

Simon Roberts, Partner at Strutt & Parker in Gerrards Cross, has fond memories stretching back to childhood: “My first experience of gardening was pottering with my grandfather around his garden in Chalfont St Giles. As a five-year-old it seemed like acres of land, but in reality it was a normal suburban garden, with a beautifully manicured lawn, fruit trees, vegetable plot, shed and green house… but to me it was a world of discovery!

“The concept of digging and picking your vegetables for my Nan to cook with the Sunday roast was wonderful.” Simon’s grandfather was a policeman in the Metropolitan force and some particular words of wisdom have not been forgotten: “Simon, love your garden and you will find peace.”

Simon recalls: “My ambition was to be just like him and one day become a policeman, but after a course of work experience in the local estate agency, I knew that a career in property was my destiny.

“Over 40 years later the words of my grandfather still resonate with me and my own garden is certainly a place where I can relax, and one where I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy some of my fondest moments, including those with my wonderful children, all of us enjoying the great outdoors.”