Small Talk with historic garden consultant and plantsman – Neil Porteous
Neil Porteous talks about the greatest challenges facing the industry nowadays
Print26 February 2026
In association with ICL
At Growtrade, we’re running an interview series titled ‘Small Talk’, where we talk to various influential members of Ireland’s horticulture trade.
This week’s conversation is with a historic garden consultant and plantsman – Neil Porteous.
How did you first get involved in the horticulture sector?
I started off doing a few trade exams in turf-culture before embarking on a one-year national certificate in horticulture at Elmwood College, Fife in Scotland.
What was one of the proudest moments in your career to date?
Meeting with and being mentored by Harry Dodson, whose work was showcased in the BBC series: “The Victorian Kitchen Garden”. Harry was a lovely person who really understood gardening and was easy about sharing his unique insights.
What was one of the greatest challenges you’ve faced in your career to date?
Working as a consultant – being engaged in improving a place and then, when the contract term finishes, walking away with no further involvement – a bit like a minor bereavement.
Could you give us an example of a recent success you had in your work?
On the third attempt, I managed to get three seedlings established of Latua pubiflora, a tree with purple tubular flowers which come out in January/February in Ireland when all the foliage is off. Known as the Tree of the Sorcerers in Chile, I discovered once you had it growing, it was relatively easy to propagate from soft-wood cuttings.
What are the greatest challenges facing the industry today?
Finding trained and experienced gardeners and head gardeners to take on our great historic gardens. These roles are more vocational than transactional, and the pay is not good. A good head gardener needs to know a lot about plants and a little about a very wide range of subjects, have imagination and creativity and be dedicated. It is very rewarding, but you may make more money stacking shelves in a supermarket.
What are the greatest opportunities facing the industry today?
In Ireland, there is a growing interest in gardens and gardening which is so encouraging. When people work with plants, nurturing them and trying to understand them, the plants’ quiet, purposeful energy is very infectious – exciting and calming at the same time.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career?
Don’t be in too much of a hurry to rise through the ranks – it is much more rewarding to get a thorough grounding in the branch of the trade which interests you. Learn as much about your chosen craft as possible and you will always be engaged and learning new things.
What are your hopes for the future of Irish horticulture?
Ireland generally, has a very conducive climate for growing a wide range of plants, especially from the southern hemisphere. In the last 30 years or so, Ireland’s climate has become wetter and warmer, ideal conditions for growing an even wider range of fabulous plants.
Small Talk is produced in association with ICL, a world-renowned leader in agriculture, food, industrial products, and a top global producer of specialised fertilisers.
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© 2026, Growtrade.ie by Patryk Goron
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