Kris was a chef for a long time, showing creativity in the kitchen at the same time as enjoying growing his own vegetables and herbs to eat himself. This passion for gardening expanded until it became his profession – and for the last ten years he has been self-taught, acquiring ever more skills and knowledge as he has become an amazing asset to Alaster Anderson.

What is your role at Alaster Anderson?

I deal with logistics, installation and maintenance. My weeks are very varied, ranging from travelling to nurseries to choose plants for installations to running our yard, sourcing supplies of stone, gravel and soil then taking care of delivery, spending a day on maintenance or driving stock up to London.

Is there a garden that has inspired you?

John’s Garden at Ashwood Nurseries is a wonderful three-acre private garden created as a show garden by nurseryman and Chelsea Gold medallist John Massey. I love the knowledge and variety on show, the natural planting and how well thought-out it is. There are informal borders, island beds, woodland dells and a wildlife garden. You’ll see a stunning pool and rock garden, an Anemone pavonina meadow, a rare tufa garden, urns and patio pots, and dramatic fern stumpery. It’s no surprise it’s regarded as one of the finest private gardens in the UK!

What is your favourite plant and why?  

I’m really inspired by Japanese influences – the ornamental style, perfect bonsai miniatures, the manipulation of plants, and niwaki, which is cloud pruning of trees. It’s a way of training trees and shrubs into shapes resembling clouds, and this style of pruning is said to depict the distilled essence of the tree. It’s also an example of the outstanding artistry and creativity we bring to the gardens we create for our clients.

What is your favourite project?

Alaster Anderson’s garden in Brompton Square in Knightsbridge. It was a really good project because it was very technical, from a lot of complex tree lifting to the fact that we were building the garden over a basement so had to be very careful about the weight of the trees and the drainage. There was a lot to think about but together we have produced something totally stunning.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned at Alaster Anderson?  

The importance of good drainage! A lot of people overlook drainage but it’s the real fundamental you absolutely have to get right for a successful garden. Poor drainage is the major reason why so many gardens don't come up to standard. Ignore drainage and anything you do will not work out. It’s why at Alaster Anderson drainage is the first thing we look at and why we spend so much time and effort getting it right.

What do you love about your job?

The variety. No day is the same and that means I have to be on my toes, ready for the next change, prepared for all situations. It keeps me thinking, keeps me involved and makes sure I work more efficiently. That means I’m at the top of my game, which is what our clients need, and why they are so happy with our work.

You can reach us on 0207 305 7183 or email at enquire@alasteranderson.com