West Yorkshire plantsman fulfils a lifelong ambition

Such is a Halifax plant buyer's commitment to conservation and gardening that he used annual leave to volunteer on the build of an award-winning garden at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Marc Salama took leave from his position as commercial plant manager at Yorkshire Garden Centres to work on the Gold medal-winning Water Aid Garden, which was co-designed by Tom Massey and Je Ann from Studio Weave.

"The WaterAid garden explored the challenges presented by an ever-changing climate. It focused on sustainable water management, used materials that are reclaimed and repurposed for a lighter carbon footprint. and featured a colourful array of plant species designed to deal with varying amounts of rainfall," said Mr. Salama.

"It was an incredible experience, and I learnt a lot about sustainability that will inform my work at Yorkshire Garden Centres. To be involved in the build of an RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden was an honour in itself, but for it to win a Gold Medal was fantastic."

The Water Aid Garden will be relocated to a public space in the north of England.

Mr Salama's role involves visiting growers and building relationships with suppliers to source plant ranges that inspire customers to create great gardens. He works across Yorkshire Garden Centres sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley plus Dean's Garden Centres in York and Scarborough.