On Wednesday 25 September, managing director of The Gardens Group, Mike Burks, was presented with the Pearson Memorial Medal by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA). Recognised for his role at the forefront of environmental work within the industry and his outstanding contributions and leadership within the sector, while running Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester, Castle Gardens in Sherborne and Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil, Mike received the prestigious award at the HTA Conference, held at The International Convention Centre, Birmingham.
Mike is also a regular contributor to KeeP 106’s ‘Countryside Matters’ programme, which is supported by the Gardens Group, and often shares his expertise in environmental and gardening issues with presenter Jenny Devitt. You can hear the programme on Mondays at 6pm – on 106.3 FM in central-southern Dorset and online or in Listen Again.
Will Armitage, president of the Horticultural Trades Association, said:
“Mike’s contribution to the industry is incredible. He is part of The Gardens Group, which operates three garden centres in the South West that are some of the best examples of horticultural retail in the country, and the Christmas displays, headed up by his wife Louise, have won the GCA Christmas merchandising prize more than any other retailer. He continues to be an articulate spokesperson for industry issues, and his involvement in the ongoing conversation around the future of peat serves as a key example. He has the ability to consider and communicate both sides of the debate thoughtfully. Mike’s tenacity and drive have proved invaluable to the industry. During the Covid pandemic, Mike worked alongside and with the HTA in a relentless drive to reopen garden centres, arguably saving the industry.”
Mike Burks adds:
“This is slightly overwhelming really. We’ve done lots of work with great people towards a common cause, and in so many ways, we’ve managed to come together, ensuring the HTA and GCA are aligned on all these projects. None of this would have been possible without the support of my team at The Gardens Group, and particularly my wife Louise, who allowed me to get away this afternoon to be here.”
The HTA has awarded the Pearson Memorial Medal for outstanding service to the garden industry annually since it was instigated in 1930, in memory of the HTA’s first General Secretary, Charles Pearson. The 2023 medal was awarded to Stan Green, with previous recipients in recent years including Jim Buttress, Mark Gregory and Adam Wigglesworth.
Mike Burks (left), managing director of The Gardens Group, and Will Armitage, president of the Horticultural Trades Association.