Rob Hodge loves nothing more than being a doting grandfather. His day job however is a fully qualified, award-winning gardener with over thirty years' experience. Valleys Life digs a little deeper...
THE LAST WORD
Tell us a little about your background Rob?
I spent nineteen years as Head Gardener at Tredegar House, a 17th Century Mansion in Newport. During this period I was involved in the restoration of all the major gardens across this 90 acre estate, and saw the work nationally recognised in 1998 by winning the award for the Best Kept Parks and Gardens in Britain.
Following this, I spent five years assessing and training NVQ students, which led to me starting my own business in 2003. I specialise in soft landscaping - creating and maintaining gardens with plants in mind.
Are you a member of any gardening clubs or societies?
Yes, I'm a member of the Royal Horticultural Society.
What do your services include?
Period garden restoration and maintenance, garden improvements, design and planting including cottage and herb gardens, lawn management, fruit tree training and pruning, planting water features, supplying ready planted baskets and containers and NVQ training and assessing. My passion is for country gardens that need that special attention to bring them back to where they should be.
What areas do you cover?
Newport, Cardiff, Bridgend, South Wales Valleys, Vale of Glamorgan, Cwmbran, Usk Valley, Pontypool, Abergavenny, Chepstow, Caldicot and Bristol.
What do you do when you're not working?
Well, I have just become a granddad so the dynamics around our lives have changed somewhat, with a grandson born in the spring and another granddaughter due to arrive any day soon, my spare time is already filled.
When I do get the chance, I am a keen Landrover enthusiast and its great to drive out into the countryside with my wife Lyn. I'm also an adult instructor with the army Cadet Force so you could say my spare time is pretty full.
Sum yourself up in three words.
Happy, contented, lucky.
In a nutshell, my philosophy is .
I wish everybody would apply this to their work 'know your subject, keep the standards high and never become complacent'.
What are your top five gardening jobs this autumn?
■ Plant any remaining bulbs
■ Cut down spent perennials
■ Start manuring vegetable beds and herbaceous borders
■ Plant new hedges
■ Think about protecting tender plants from severe frosts and snow.
I suppose I'm doing myself out of work here aren't I! Perhaps I should be saying 'you could always give me a call and I'll give you a quote for doing the work for you.'
