Mike joined his parents, who had founded the businesses, in 1989. Whilst developing the business he has also served on various trade bodies, and has complementary land-based business interests as Managing Trustee for Sompting Estate. Mike chairs the Tristram Plants Board meetings for Walberton, Binsted and Fleurie Nurseries and leads on overall strategy and finance. Mike also chairs Farplants Group Limited.

Marc joined Walberton in 1997 as Assistant Manager (Despatch), tasked with making improvements and efficiencies in the department. Soon after, Marc became responsible for growing Hellebores and Citrus, and tasked himself with closely monitoring sales budgets. In time, managing potting operations became another part of Marc’s role, as did further crop growing responsibilities. Marc became General Manager of Walberton Nursery in 2012, and following the announcement of a merger between both Tristram nurseries in 2016, became joint Managing Director of Walberton & Binsted Nurseries at the beginning of 2017

Tim came from the General Manager position at Star Plants in 1990, to take on the Assistant Manager (Propagation) role at Walberton Nursery. Tim managed the propagation of 650k cuttings per year, which included the UK’s entire supply of 200k Scabiosa Walberton’s® Butterfly Blue and Walberton’s® Pink Mist. During his time at Walberton, Tim has managed and coached dozens of staff members; managed the growing of crops; planned daily staff work; carried out all plant sourcing and managed the crop protection department.

Martin joined the businesses in 1997, starting as the Technical Manager at Binsted Nursery. His main responsibilities are business development and strategic planning. Martin is widely known for representing both our businesses and the whole garden plant sector on bodies such as the Board of AHDB Horticulture and the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group. Alongside his nursery responsibilities; Martin also runs a horticultural training consultancy and lectures at RBG Kew and RHS Wisley.

Camilla joined Walberton Nursery in the summer of 2007 as a Nursery Worker. Soon after that Camilla moved into a Supervisory role before becoming Office Manager in 2010. Camilla is now responsible for much of the office and production admin, production planning, human resources and payroll; ensures we pass our BOPP audit each year; and represents the Farplants Growers at the Farplants Marketing Committee and BOPP Management Committee.

Graham joined Binsted Nursery as Assistant General Manager in spring 2005 after a 34 year career in cotton research and extension in Zimbabwe. His responsibilities include budgets, purchasing and financial control, payroll, human resources, office management and managing the maintenance team.

Simon joined Walberton in 2013 as a Trainee Manager, bringing with him 18 years of experience in local horticulture. Having started predominantly with the remit of organising and allocating work on a daily basis for up to 50 staff, Simon, in his capacity of Production Operations Manager is now also responsible for all potting operations, direct management of seven staff, and the growing of several crops.

Daria joined the Binsted Management Team in 2010 as Assistant Manager. In 2011 Daria was promoted to Despatch Manager and again in 2013 to her current position of Operations and Despatch Manager. Daria’s role includes running operations for five sites; allocating up to 80 staff for each day; recruiting seasonal staff; and improving efficiency by organising lean academy training for staff. Daria is currently studying for an MBA at Brighton University part-time.

Tracey Barnes joined Fleurie Nursery as a seasonal worker in March 1999 and was taken on full time in August that year. Since then Tracey has had a variety of roles within Fleurie covering despatch, production and site management. She was promoted to her current role of Assistant Operations Manager in 2011.

Moira joined Fleurie Nursery as Operations Manager in 2007, having worked in similar roles in horticulture since 1995. Moira is responsible for all day to day operational matters for the three Fleurie sites including work planning, maintenance, training and recruitment of staff. The operational team is made up of 21 permanent staff, 16 seasonal staff, and then in season, up to 15 extra agency per day.

Stephen joined Fleurie Nursery as Technical Manager in 2004 and became a Director of Fleurie Nursery in 2007. He then took over the active Management of Fleurie in 2015, and is also a Director of each of the Tristram Plants nurseries, and of Farplants Group and Farplants Sales. Stephen still plays an active role in the technical aspects of the Fleurie business, but also contributes to the Farplants Group through his wealth of knowledge and experience from other areas of the industry, including involvement in AHDB and DEFRA projects.

Clare joined Fleurie Nursery in January 2017. Clare has been with the Farplants Group since joining Star Plants in 2004 as a seasonal worker. She has progressed through the companies from production and site supervision to Assistant Technical Manager. With support and training over the years Clare has obtained an NVQ level 2 in Production Horticulture, and BASIS and FACTS qualifications. Clare is a Committee Member of SGC (Southern Growers Club).

Sara joined the Fleurie Management Team in December 2007 as Finance Manager, covering all aspects of accounting and payroll for the business. Sara brought with her over 30 years of experience in finance, including life assurance investment funds and pensions.

Steve is an experienced horticulturist and has worked for Fleurie Nursery since 2009, having been within the Farplants Group since 2003. Steve is responsible for the sales management of all plants grown by Fleurie. In addition Steve plays a key role in the R&D at Fleurie, and works on the Farplants Group wide Packaging, Quality and NPD Committees.