Ipswich Man Turns Gardening Hobby into Career
- An Ipswich man has turned his passion for gardening into a successful career.
- He was recognized as the runner-up for a prestigious award thanks to his unique gardening sculptures, including a creative frog prince.
- This achievement highlights the potential of pursuing hobbies professionally.
Chris Reeve, a 50-year-old gardener from Ipswich, has garnered recognition for his artistic topiary creations, including a notable giant frog prince, by securing second place in the inaugural Henchman Topiary Awards for 2024. Reeve's journey into gardening began after a personal tragedy; he lost his mother to cancer in 1994, which profoundly affected his ability to continue working in occupational health. The emotional toll led him to leave his training and pursue a career in gardening. After three years of honing his skills, Reeve's talent was recognized at Helmingham Hall, where the former head gardener identified his potential for creating intricate topiaries. His passion for this unique form of gardening stems from the creativity it allows, as he expressed in a recent interview. The awards not only brought him accolades but also a collection of prizes from Henchman, further validating his artistic endeavors. In addition to his personal achievements, Reeve is committed to expanding the topiary offerings at Helmingham Hall and inspiring the next generation of gardeners. He has voiced concerns about the lack of educational opportunities in horticulture within schools, highlighting a significant gap in awareness about gardening careers. Through his work, he aims to ignite interest in horticulture among children, fostering a new appreciation for the art of gardening.