A Football Player Turns Horticulturist: The Royal Parks Manager Reveals His Journey from Crime Scene Investigation to Floristry
UK Gardener Adam Stoter Embraces Pollinator-Friendly Gardening and Community Engagement
Adam Stoter, a UK-based gardener and designer, is making waves in the horticultural world with his commitment to pollinator-friendly gardening, community engagement, and personal expression in his designs.
Stoter's earliest gardening memory dates back to a flower shop as a child, where he found a sense of relaxation and contentment. This early connection to nature would later blossom into a lifelong passion.
During a summer working at Hyde Park, Stoter discovered his love for gardening. It was here that he met Lusine Lee, a Hyde Park gardener who would become a close friend and, in a sense, a godfather to Stoter's son.
Stoter's principles in gardening emphasise the interconnectedness of all life, believing that one is never alone in a garden. He promotes the sharing of knowledge, seeds, plants, and resources with neighbours to foster a sense of community and promote sustainability.
In 2021, Stoter visited Great Dixter, a renowned garden in East Sussex. He spent weeks there, learning from head gardener Fergus Garrett, whose infectious enthusiasm for teaching mirrors what Stoter strives for at The Royal Parks.
Stoter's Instagram handle, @adam_stoter, offers a glimpse into his gardening ethos and practices. His posts showcase his love for mixed borders of cottage-style gardens, which he believes reflect the gardener's personality, creativity, and quirky touches.
One plant that holds a special place in Stoter's garden is Geranium robertianum. Its wild beauty brings a touch of nature's resilience, reminding him of the power of gardening to transform even the most derelict spaces.
In the 1970s, the derelict wasteland, Meanwhile Gardens in west London, was reclaimed by the community and transformed into a vibrant green space. This project embodies Stoter's belief in the power of gardening to bring people together and create beautiful, sustainable spaces.
Before finding his calling in horticulture, Stoter had a passion for football. He left an academy at 17 and worked as a lifeguard and laborer before going back to college and university. Applying for The Royal Parks apprenticeship was the best decision made in his horticultural journey.
For those interested in learning more about Adam Stoter's recent projects, publications, or interviews, we recommend checking his official website, social media profiles, or specialist gardening platforms.
Adam Stoter's gardening principles also extend to his home and garden lifestyle, promoting the growth of diverse plants like Geranium robertianum that reflect nature's resilience.
His belief in community engagement is evident as he shares knowledge, seeds, and resources with neighbors, fostering a sense of cooperation akin to the Meanwhile Gardens project.
Stoter's love for gardening transcends the traditional garden boundaries, influencing his landscape designs to convey a message of interconnectedness among all life forms.
Furthermore, his Instagram account, @adam_stoter, is a testament to his commitment to horticulture, offering insights into his gardening ethos, practices, and the mixed borders of cottage-style gardens that mirrors his personality and creativity.
Lastly, Adam Stoter's work is a vibrant blend of horticulture, lifestyle, and home-and-garden, demonstrating that one's passion for gardening can transform not only physical spaces but also foster connections within communities.