Philip A. Fenech
NCHPG, Cert Hort (RHS), BS(hort), Dip Hort (RHS), MPGG MIHort
Head Gardener Firle Estate

I became interested in horticulture when I was about 8 - 10 years old, helping my grandfather in his 2.5 acre garden and swapped my fishing rod for a fork and spade. At 18, I went into a Thamesdown Borough Council Apprenticeship Scheme and gained City and Guilds in Amenity Horticulture. After my 3 years' apprenticeship I went to study full-time at Lackham College in Wiltshire, gaining a National Certificate in Professional Gardening, and representing the college in the national final of the Young Horticulturalist of the year competition.

I then worked as the sole gardener at Wedhampton Manor before moving to Blenheim Palace where I worked principally in the Pleasure Gardens . Since leaving college, I have been studying in my spare time, achieving the RHS General Certificate and Diploma, and a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture.

In 2002, I moved to Firle Place , where the park and garden cover an area of over 200 acres. At Firle Place I am responsible for the maintenance and ongoing development of the gardens and parkland, and restoration of the pleasure grounds and water features. I am also responsible for providing and creating all interior landscape requirements for the stately home.

T.V appearances have included “Best of British Gardens“, 1998, Gardeners to be” 2000 and “ Country Ways ” 2002.