The multi award-winning garden designer is the new vice president of The Yorkshire Society.

The week is all about?

The Landform Consultants team and I are currently building three new gardens that will surround the UK’s first dedicated scientific centre of excellence at RHS Garden Wisley; the National Centre for Horticultural Science and Learning. As we are a part of the construction industry, business continues, so my weekly workload hasn’t seen much change. We’re all working safely, distancing and isolating ourselves where possible. My site manager is currently isolating himself as he has underlying health issues which means I’m taking on a slightly expanded role to usual. I trained at Wisley as a young man so it’s all rather nostalgic for me to be back. As the garden is closed to the general public at the moment, it’s eerily quiet. However, the whole place is just beautiful, my office overlooks Battleston Hill and with it being mid-spring, the blossom is out and it’s doing wonders for my mood.

A non-lockdown Friday night would mean

Well, I would usually head over to my local Indian restaurant and catch up with friends and family. The good news is that they have just opened for home delivery. So, I guess I’ll be bringing the Friday night tradition back to the comfort of my own home.

How are you staying social/connected?

I’m very busy alongside my team so, in a way, not so much has changed day-to-day. I’m also mentoring on social media, conducting a few industry webinars on how to survive all of this. Personally, I’ve been through a couple of severe recessions and I have a few strategies for some of the guys facing all of this for the very first time.

Saturday morning – papers or Parkrun?

That’s easy… neither! I am an ex-marathon runner, but Saturday mornings are definitely for me and my dog Brodie, a very loving cockapoo. We go for woodland walks together which can go on for up to 5K, then back home for a coffee and poached egg on toast… bliss.

Feeding time – what are you cooking/eating?

I’ve actually perfected a spatchcock chicken on my barbecue over the lockdown period, it’s not only healthy but actually pretty easy.

Retail therapy

I’m definitely guilty of retail therapy at the moment. Normally I don’t have time to shop out on the high street so online shopping is my first point of call, typical guy eh? A few recent purchases include AirPods, a new phone and, oh yes, plenty of tools!

Saturday night perfection

My Saturday nights remain pretty much the same, cosied up on the sofa with a good bottle of wine and a film.

Sunday chills

Sunday usually involves a morning walk with Brodie, a potter in the garden and a hearty chicken roast for dinner.

Fresh air favourites – where you walk now – and where you love in ‘normal times’

Us Yorkshire folk are blessed. We’re surrounded by woods and nice places to walk the dog. When we are in normal times, we do tend to drive out and about, but even then, if I’ve spent my weeks blasting around all over the place, I’m more than happy to stay local, especially if there’s a good pub en route.

Entertainment that’s keeping you sane

I love my films actually, too many to even know where to start. I haven’t actually got into any series at the moment, but I love documentaries. My little Instagram chats have done wonders for my sanity too and the webinars give me a real feel-good state of mind. 

Mark is known for his gold medal-winning design of the Welcome to Yorkshire Garden at Chelsea in 2019 and 99 RHS Chelsea show gardens.