What is your garden like at home?
“An average city size, about 10 x 5m (33 x 16ft), with slate paving, a raised formal pond and an eclectic mix of plants. There’s a raised deck with a scaffold pergola over it, which is the kids’ area with tyre swings and a shady spot for them to play. In summer we put up a shade sail, which adds a certain look, and the perennial plants and grasses soften the architecture well.”
What inspired you to become the kind of gardener you are?
“I lived in Australia for a year when I was younger, and back then, they were interested in how you use a garden, as well as how it looked. The British garden was in a bit of a rut at the time – all rectangular lawns with borders – and I tried to blend form and function, but using plants that thrive in the UK."
What’s been your finest hour?
“Presenting on the Chelsea Flower Show for the first time. It’s the biggest gardening show in the world, and a real thrill."
What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you in your gardening media career?
“Ending a live bit of TV with Charlie [Dimmock] when she had an earpiece on and I didn’t. We were running late and, while I was talking to her, she just ignored me and said “goodbye” to everyone, leaving me
standing there staring like an idiot.”
Your latest project is presenter on the programme Garden Makers for UKTV Style. Is this different from TV work you’ve done in the past?
“We follow garden designers who are creating real gardens for real clients – not just for the telly – in a fly-on-the-wall way, with all the ups and downs and tensions on both sides. We then go back to the finished garden to see if it was on budget and if the client liked it. I learnt plenty making it and there are some brilliant gardens covered.”
Anything else in the pipeline?
“I’m working on BBC Gardeners’ World this year, which I’m delighted about. I’m also the design director of Modular Garden, a new business set up to make buying a quality designed garden as simple as buying a car or a kitchen. The client sets the brief, budget and we then design, build and plant to that fixed price. I’m passionate and committed to making good gardens more widely available beyond the keen enthusiast.”
Do you want to plug it?
“Yes! Call 0207 619 0100 or visit www.modulargarden.com”
I’ve heard you like playing bass guitar? Any other hobbies?
“I play football once a week, as well as being a season ticket holder at
the Arsenal. I play golf every now and then, too, and love to spend as much time with my family as possible.”
Did you ever consider following in your father’s footsteps and becoming an actor? (Clive Swift is well known for his portrayal of Richard Bucket in the sitcom Keeping Up Appearances)
“After forgetting my lines in the Nativity play at the age of seven, I decided acting wasn’t for me! I love gardening and the TV and media side of it is a bonus. I never planned it, but some say having an actor as a father must have something to do with it. I say it’s easy to talk passionately about something you love. Fortunately, I don’t have to take on characters – just be myself.”
What unfulfilled ambition would you most like to realise?
“I’m a bit too old to play football for Arsenal – not that I was ever good enough. One day, when life calms down, I would love to design the garden of my dreams for the Chelsea Flower Show”
When do you want to get away, where do you head off to?
“Our basic stone building in France where I can really relax, once I’ve mowed the grass! The kids love the space compared to London, and my wife and I love the pace of life and the great food and wine.”
