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Nigel life has been in Horticulture for the last 44 years and started in 2011 at Provender Nurseries in the Quoted Sales Team. He started with local authorities, and became a Landscaper working on private gardens. During that time, Nigel has worked in Interior/Exterior Landscaping, Industrial and Private Garden Design and Trade plant nurseries.
Nigel was part of a company that won the overall top prize and RHS Gold Medal at Chelsea Flower Show 1983(John Vellam Gardens), also working on many other show gardens at Hampton Court (Courtyard Garden Design). Nigel also helped build a garden at the San Francisco Garden Show 1997 (Andy Hibben Gardens-Gardens with an English Accent), which won joint top prize.
Nigel has had two articles published in The Garden Design Journal on ‘Grasses’ and ‘Hemerocallis’. Nigel lives in Kent with his wife Sheliagh, their dogs Osi, Masie and Liffy and Ollie and Nellie, the cats.
Graham began with the company in April 2017 joining a busy quoting team and diving straight in at the deep end. Graham was bought up around plants and flowers and as a child, lending a hand in his parents cut flower business. Graham has over 40 years’ experience in the industry including setting up and running a wholesale flower supply company and running the UK arm of a Dutch importer. With many years in Garden Centres, Graham brings extensive retail experience to the team. His biggest passion is for cooking and all things food. He is a walking encyclopaedia of ingredients.
Clare Vinton has worked at Provender Nurseries since 2007 as a member of the sales team, having originally starting as a student on holiday work. Clare has a strong plant knowledge gained from working in garden centres and commercial nurseries over the years. She works closely with garden designers sourcing plants and advising on plant choices. Clare has a BSc (Hons) in Horticulture with Amenity Management.
Clare has a keen interest in horticulture in general and her passions are plants, gardening and animals. She often visits gardens in her free time.
Zohreh joined Provender Nurseries in 2017 working in the nursery team with little horticultural experience but with a yearning to learn more after enjoying time in her own garden. During her time on the nursery Zohreh increased her plant knowledge quickly and discovered a love of helping customers along the way. With 2 year's experience behind her on the nursery Zohreh moved into the quoting team and is taking on the challenge with gusto. Zohreh has a degree in Psychology and Philosophy and is very keen on baking. On cake day sales Zohreh’s cakes are top of the list for everyone on site! Her apple and almond cake is not be missed.
Originally an agronomist, Ricky has worked for leading landscape designers in the UK and abroad since 2007.
Ricky joined the team in 2016 and has been working between the Quoting Team and the Cash & Carry Team supporting the company where it is needed the most according to each season.
His mixture of horticultural and design background, computer skills and natural drawing ability give him a distinctive understanding of the horticultural industry and landscape design process.
Now working as ‘Key Customer Service and Visual Merchandiser’, Ricky will use his knowledge to provide special customer service and support the team with visual signage and displays around the company.
Ricky has a passion for plants, games and exotic pets. He is a Portuguese speaker with knowledge of Spanish.
Graham Marlow has been working at Provender Nurseries since August 2017. Initially as Stock Controller but more recently Graham started a new role as Sundries Sales Executive.
Before working at Provender, Graham had no previous plant knowledge or ever worked in Horticulture. In the short time since working at Provender Nurseries, Graham’s plant knowledge has come on leaps and bounds.
Previously working as a Manager at Tesco's, Graham is now using his skills and knowledge gained there, to improve the smooth running of the Sundries department at Provender Nurseries.
Graham’s hobbies include swimming, going to the gym, walking, going to the cinema, playing cards, chess and backgammon.
‘Working at Provender Nurseries feels like a little family with everyone pulling in the same direction’.
Cash & Carry Sales Manager
Direct Dial: 01322 611 315
alex.buckley@provendernurseries.co.uk
Alex has a BA in Garden Design and initially started in the industry doing garden maintenance before moving to Provender Nurseries in 2014.
Starting out on the nursery, Alex worked her way up to Plant Area Supervisor in 2017 managing part of the nursery team on a daily basis and in 2021 was promoted to Cash & Carry Sales Manager.
Alex is a winner of Pro Landscapers’ 30 Under 30 in 2018 recognising young talent in the horticultural industry. Alex is very hands on and loves propagating plants in her spare time.
Her other favourite pastime is curling up on a comfy chair with a good book and cup of tea and biscuits at the ready.
Jill has worked for Provender Nurseries for 19 years, and over this time has witnessed many changes, watching it go from strength to strength, growing into an amazing Nursery with new members of staff joining every year. With many of its customers returning year on year no matter how cheeky Jill is to them!
Jill holds an RHS General exam, as well as a City & Guilds in Horticulture and an HTA in plant care.
In her spare time Jill manages an allotment which tends to feed her – and her colleagues for most of the year! She also bottles her own jam and chutney, so her cupboards often resemble something out of the Good Life!
Julie joined Provender Nurseries in November 2020 after 5 years working in the industry.
Formerly a teacher, Julie designed the Environmental Studies curriculum content and was involved with projects in the UK, Oman and Nigeria.
Julie’s particular interest is planting for specific requirements; wildlife friendly, low pollen, child and pet safe, trees for smaller gardens, screening boundaries for privacy and pollution reduction. This ties in with her efforts at home to implement the government’s new Environmental Land Management Scheme for farms.
Julie continues to study at Hadlow College and the Open University.
Sales Admin
Beverly joined Provender Nurseries in July 2018 after previously working as a receptionist at a vet’s practice.
Her role at Provender Nurseries is within the busy Admin Team, offering valuable support to the Sales Team, involving processing their many admin requirements.
Beverly started working for Provender Nurseries with limited knowledge on plants. Her garden was a blank canvas. Now she enjoys spending much of her time in the garden which is no longer a blank canvas and is coming along very nicely.
Beverly loves all animals, and enjoys horses riding. She also has a gorgeous dog called Ricky.
PICTURE
Millie joined Provender Nurseries in September 2021, after working at a car dealership. Her role at Provender Nurseries is within the busy Admin Team, offering valuable support to the Sales Team.
She spent 2 and a half years doing beauty therapy and training none stop. She has no knowledge of plants but is very interested in learning all about the different plants and how they work.
Millie has currently got a new project of moving into her first home which happens to be a boat, it is very new and exciting for her.
Millie has a passion for quat biking, baking, and spending time with friends and family especially her staff Elvis.
Lizzy joined Provender Nurseries just before lockdown in March 2020 as part of the Nursery Team, quickly moving over to the Cash & Carry team; now working as the new Online Sales Manager and looking after the website. Lizzy joined Provender Nurseries from the RHS after six years of service, where she latterly was the Show Manager for RHS Chatsworth Flower Show.
Prior to working at the RHS, Lizzy ran her own Garden Design and Build company ‘Greenroom Landscaping’ with her Landscaper husband Russ, and has a BA (hons) in Garden Design, with a background in Graphic Design and Event and Theatre Stage Management. Lizzy has a passion for design, organisation, opera and all things horticultural with a particular passion for ferns and animals of all shapes and sizes. Her biggest love (other than her husband) is her French Bulldog Rudy.
Direct Dial: 01322 619 315
Denise started working at provender nurseries 8 ½ years ago when it was still called Wyevale East, back in March 2012. Prior to this she has worked at a variety of nurseries, undertaking a wide range of horticultural jobs and has been in the horticultural industry for nearly 17 years.
Denise holds a level 2 NVQ in production and horticulture, a City & Guilds level 2 on Plant Propagation, a City & Guilds level 2 in Garden Design and a Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture amongst other qualifications.
Her passion for plants has remains undaunted over the years. She enjoys spending her time attending her own garden, eagerly awaiting to see all the unusual varieties that arrive at the nursery, as well as spending time with her much-adored Jack Russell Ronnie, cooking and going on country walks and discovering new places.
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Kevin joined the company in 2014 and is our font of all knowledge in the transport area of Provender Nurseries. Having been a mechanic for 24 years and qualifications in heavy vehicle repair Kevin now manages the Transport team and undertakes all vehicle maintenance on site.
He is also a Master Technician for DAF vehicles and holds the Certificate of Professional Competence in Road Haulage Operations ensuring that Provender Nurseries are compliant on the road. Kevin is never happier than when under a truck getting his hands dirty. In his spare time Kevin spends time with his dog Milo, a trained gun dog. This duo is never seen apart.
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Liz Hughes started at Provender Nurseries in 2008, as a Sales Assistant. With a background spanning 34 years and a BSc Honours in Horticulture, Liz has a good all-round background within the industry. With a passion for writing, Liz has been the Marketing Manager at Provender Nurseries organising trade shows, events and overseeing all of Provender Nurseries social media for over 5 years.
Liz also enjoys developing new talent, hosting and judging the Student Design & Build Awards and working on many RHS show gardens at Hampton Court and Chelsea over the years. In 2013 Liz took part in the Three Peaks Extreme Challenge with BALI members raising over £15,000 for Perennial.
Liz loves a challenge and has even sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. Liz loves a tropical plant and anything exotic. Her bathroom looks like a jungle! Liz’s interests include more houseplants, reading, walking, friends and family and pub lunches.
Rosina stated working at Provender Nurseries in February 2017 as a young apprentice, for business administration. In that time, she has gone on to complete both her level 2 and level 3.
Before this she acquired a Level 3 Distinction Star in broadcast and communications, which has been an asset with her subsequent job roles.
Over the last 4 years Rosina has worked in every department, helping her gain a greater understanding of how the business is run and thus helping with her progression within her own administrative roles. She has recently started a new position as Marketing Assistant, where she's putting to use all her social media skills and looks forward to developing the role.
Rosina’s interests include; cooking, reading and hiccupping on a regular basis, to the amusement of all her colleagues!
Rebecca joined Provender Nurseries as the Finance Manager in August 2019. Having previously worked in Media and Asset Management she brought with her 20 years of experience.
She has enjoyed creating the Accounts Team who carry out a vast range of tasks and responsibilities.
Rebecca has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys mountain biking and snowboarding. She is also a member of the Paddle Cabin and plays in the Women's Kent Outdoor Hockey League.
Rebecca loves implementing new procedures and is looking forward to being part of the future growth of Provender Nurseries.
Accounts Administrator
Alison joined the Accounts team at Provender Nurseries as Accounts Administrator in July 2020. Previously Alison worked in similar roles in a large secondary school for 13 years. Prior to that she worked in finance within the Motor Trade since leaving school.
Alison loves the outdoors, travelling throughout the UK and Europe with her husband in their Campervan.
She has a daughter, two cats and Mika the Romanian rescue dog, all of which take up most of her time when not at work or in the campervan.
Purchase Ledger Administrative Assistant
Jenny joined Provender Nurseries in September 2021 as Purchase Ledger Administrator, in the Accounts Department. She has previously worked as a PA and Administrator, supporting Senior Managers in various sectors, including chartered surveyors, publishing and education.
Jenny grew up in Swanley and after spending some time living and working in London, she returned to the area before starting her family. She has a keen interest in local history and local planning and she enjoys baking and gardening too. Her desire to support a local business and a love of gardening is what most attracted her to working for Provender Nurseries.
When she isn’t busy being a taxi driver for her teenage sons, she enjoys supervising her husband whilst he works in the garden and going for walks with their dog, Bernie.
Nursery Production & Biosecurity Manager
Direct Dial: 01322 611 698
Stuart Tickner started at Provender Nurseries in 2010. He is the Nursery Production & Bio-Security Manager and supervises all nursery staff on site at Provender Nurseries and at 2 recently acquired satellite growing sites. Working closely with Hadlow College students and lecturers Stuart works within the college curriculum teaching students of Commercial Production resulting in plants that are sold at Provender Nurseries. Stuarts’ main strength is his knowledge of biosecurity working closely with APHA to maintain standards on site and satellite nurseries and organizing regular training sessions for staff and customers. Using LEAN Business models Stuart has set up and successfully implemented LEAN principals across the nursery incorporating training, reducing wastage figures, encouraging staff improvement and constantly managing plant hygiene on site.
In his spare time Stuart trains and teaches Eskrima, a Filipino martial art. He was in the GB squad for 7 years and in 2012 Stuart won the British and World Titles in Eskrima.
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Assistant Nursery Manager
Carl studied at Hadlow collage, gaining a Horticulture level 1+2.
He started at Provender Nurseries in 2012 on an Apprenticeship scheme and has been a valued member of the team ever since.
In 2017 Carl was promoted to Nursery Supervisor, looking after the deliveries of all specimen stock and in 2021 he was promoted to Assistant Nursery Manager.
When he’s not working at the Nursery Carl’s hobbies include ferreting, football and of course gardening!
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Nicola joined the Provender team in 2011. Having worked with the ‘Richard’s’ in a previous life she knew what she was letting herself in for!
Nicola originally got into horticulture, some 15 years prior to joining Provender, purely by accident. Now 25 years later, Nicola is now the Plant Purchasing Manager and particularly enjoys travelling across Europe (when permitted) to other wholesale nurseries.
When not scouring the land trying to find interesting, top quality plants for customers, Nicola’s many interests include; Wine making, even making the table wine for her daughter’s wedding! Exploring and cooking different world cuisines, particularly Asian fusion. When not galivanting she can mainly be found lounging on her velvet sofa, wearing a silk kimono and supping on rum based cocktails. But Nicola’s most favourite thing in the world is spending time with her beautiful grandsons Isaac and Rory.
Vaidas joined Provender Nurseries in April 2021 initially as part of the Transport department, collating orders ready for dispatch. It wasn’t long before his calm and methodical approach to work and his natural way with staff and customers was aptly recognised and in August 2021, was promoted to the role of Sundries Manager.
Originally from Lithuania, Vaidas came over to the UK 2004. In that time, he has worked in Organic Food retail and for a major retailer since 2008 as Assistant Manager, in six different stores across London. He was awarded for his Outstanding Performance and was duly nominated and won, a cycle ride with Bradley Wiggins including VIP access!
Vaidas is married with two beautiful daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, listening to music and reading and for the last 3 years has participated in charity bike rides for Cancer research.
Purchasing Admin
Nick joined Provender Nurseries in 2009, starting in the Cash & Carry. Prior to this he worked in the Cash & Carry at Coblands Nurseries, Sevenoaks and the main nursery at Trench Road.
Nick has a wealth of horticultural knowledge having worked in Horticulture since 1970. In this time, he has seen many changes to the industry.
Nick’s main role at Provender Nurseries is back-office Admin and work on the database. Outside of work Nick enjoys bird watching, visiting foreign shores to see nature and flowers.
Purchasing Admin
Before becoming a full-time mum to her daughter Emma, Mandi worked for a Merchant Bank for 9 years.
When her daughter started school, Mandi started part-time at Provender Nurseries, 17 years ago. In that time, she has seen a lot of changes to the Nursery, starting when it was still Wyevale East in 2004. In those days Mandi would muck in with labelling, standing down plants, plant husbandry as well as creating purchase orders and producing labels! Now the company has expanded Mandi’s main role is creating the many purchase orders that comes from working at a busy trade Nursery.
Mandi is a keen gardener but has no formal horticultural training, but has learnt a lot about plants from working at Provender over the past 17 years.
Keeping it clean, Mandi enjoys gardening, walking, trips to the seaside and knitting!!
Richard has over 20 years of experience in the horticulture industry. He began his career in plant retail working in Ireland, the UK and New Zealand, after which he built his expertise in the wholesale plant supply market.
As Managing Director of Provender Nurseries since 2013, Richard has established the wholesale plant cash and carry and sundries supplier as a leader in the South East.
He has spent 8 years as an active member of the International Plants Propagators Society (IPPS) Europe, on the Board and representing the organisation internationally.
A dedicated believer in nurturing talent in the industry, Richard works hard to promote horticulture as a positive career choice for students in the UK and Europe, including organising exchange programmes to share knowledge and build networks.
Richard Burt has been at Provender Nurseries since 2007 starting as Sales Manager and working towards his present role as Sales Director.
Richard left college with an ND in Horticulture and has spent all his working life within the industry, working predominantly in nurseries and wholesale plant supply. As a result, Richard has an extensive bank of plant knowledge and is always keen to learn more.
Working closely with the management and purchasing teams, Richard is always on the look out for new varieties to hold in stock and encourages the team at Provender Nurseries to keep up to date with new ranges.
For many years Lynn worked in TV production in London organising events before joining her husband’s company, East Horticulture Limited. It was here that Lynn met our longest serving employee, Jill Gower, at Horticultural College in Mottingham – and persuaded her to join the team.
The company later merged with their partnership business, Wyevale East Nurseries Limited which was re-branded as Provender Nurseries Limited in January 2013 and is where Lynn has worked part time ever since. Lynn is also responsible for suggesting the company name!
Lynn’s interests include dog walking and keeping fit, being dragged out sailing, No.1 supporter of her GBR Épée fencer son, a building restoration project in Cornwall, burning food and providing welcoming cups of tea!