AH HORTICULTURE
ABOUT ADAM
I have always had a passion for gardens and plants, with my journey beginning from a young age and growing into a career built around horticulture, plant production and garden design.
With years of experience working within the horticultural industry, including in wholesale sales, nursery development and operational management, I bring a practical understanding of how plants and gardens grow, not just how they look on paper. My background gives me a unique insight into plant selection, availability and creating planting schemes that are both beautiful and achievable.
My approach combines design creativity with hands-on horticultural knowledge — helping clients create gardens that feel natural, work with their space and continue to thrive for years to come
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how your interest in gardening began.
A: My name is Adam Hawkins, and I often say that while I don't always know exactly what I like, I always know what I don't like. Gardening, however, has been one of the few things I've been certain about from a very young age.
Some of my earliest memories in the garden revolve around growing runner beans—a crop I've remained fond of to this day. Both of my grandfathers had vegetable patches, and I spent many years growing runner beans alongside my dad. Looking back, those experiences planted the seed for what would become a lifelong passion for horticulture.
Q: How did horticulture become your chosen career path?
A: When I first went to university, I studied Advertising. I found it interesting, but after a year I realised my interests lay elsewhere and I made the decision to switch to horticulture. I went on to study for a Foundation Degree in Garden Design, graduating in 2012 at the age of 21.
My real ambition at the time was to learn more about plants, and I was fortunate enough to find a position at a specialist nursery that was still in its early years. Little did I know then that it would go on to become one of the UK's leading suppliers for Chelsea Flower Show gardens
Q: How has your early career shaped your approach to planting and design?
A: I spent the first nine of my thirteen years at the nursery working within the retail centre. It was an incredible environment to learn in. I was surrounded by unusual plants, respected designers and exceptionally knowledgeable plants-people.
During the last four years, I moved into the wholesale side of the business. That role gave me a much deeper understanding of the relationship between design and plant supply. I worked closely with designers, sourced plants for projects, and gained valuable insight into what designers regularly specify, how plants are grown, and what is realistically available within the marketplace.
Q: How would you describe your ideal planting style?
A: For me, every successful garden begins with structure. I would create a framework of interesting evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and topiary that provides year-round presence and a strong sense of form.
Within that framework, I will use herbaceous planting to bring movement, seasonality and atmosphere. I am particularly drawn to perennials that appear to dance through the planting, supported by the texture and structure of grasses and ferns. The result is a garden that feels naturalistic and immersive, while still retaining a strong underlying sense of order.
