Steve started as an apprentice with Scunthorpe Borough Council in 1978, attending day-release college to attain City & Guilds in Amenity Horticulture and Groundsmanship. In 1987 moved to Pampisford Hall near Cambridge as a single-handed gardener restoring a Victorian walled kitchen garden. Returned to full-time education to study for a Higher National Diploma in Landscape & Amenity Management at Writtle College near Chelmsford. 1996 became Head Gardener for Agriframes Ltd at East Grinstead, looking after a show garden and nursery, growing plants to be used at various RHS Flower Shows, e.g. Chelsea, Hampton Court, Tatton Park and others. Relocated to Adlington Hall near Macclesfield in 1999 to become Head Gardener, leading a team of gardeners maintaining the 40 acre grounds. 2005 moved to New Mills after taking up the post of Head Gardener at Wentworth Castle Gardens near Barnsley, heading up a team of 10 gardeners involved in the £15.5m restoration of the gardens and grounds.
