John Ashley was officially named as the new chairman of Greenfingers, the charity dedicated to creating inspiring outdoor spaces for children in hospices around the country.

John, who has previously held the office of vice chairman, takes over from Matthew Wilson. The official handover took place at Clifton Nurseries in London.

John Ashley is a respected member of the horticultural community, having started in 1972 with Fisons. He subsequently set up the Miracle-Gro business in Europe, which eventually became part of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.  He is still involved in the Scotts business and with Scotsdales Garden Centre.

Deborah Skillicorn, Greenfingers’ charity director, said: “After three very fruitful and successful years with Matthew Wilson at the helm we know John will continue to take our charity forward, particularly as we are also launching a major new appeal.”

Matthew Wilson said his time as chairman of Greenfingers had been immensely rewarding. “To have been involved in the development of some of the amazing gardens Greenfingers has created has been an honour.  I wish John a huge amount of luck as the new chairman, I know he will do a fantastic job and am sure he will enjoy it as much as I have.”

Matthew Wilson will stay on the board at Greenfingers and continue to be closely involved in the charity’s Garden Expert Group, which oversees the garden design elements of Greenfingers’ work.

The new Greenfingers ‘A Million Moments’ Appeal will see the charity aiming to raise £1 million to create 15 more gardens and reach at least a further 5,000 children and their families.