Colin Dale (second from left) receives his RHS Long Service Award with (L-R) Stuart Andrews, Plant Buyer; Nick Burrows, CEO; and Caroline Notcutt, Vice Chairman, Notcutts. [Credit/Copyright: Chris Kemp]

After a 46-year career in horticulture, Notcutts’ stalwart Colin Dale has announced he will be retiring this autumn. Colin, who is Head of Plants and Gardening at Notcutts, announced his retirement shortly after receiving a special Long Service Award from the Royal Horticultural Society for his dedication to the sector.

Colin is a well-known figure within horticulture, locally and nationally, famed for his vast knowledge and passion for plants and gardening. His career began with a work placement at Notcutts Solihull Garden Centre in the West Midlands while studying horticulture at college, and he has spent much of his career in various roles across Notcutts’ 19 garden centres nationwide.

In 1999 Colin joined the Plant Buying Team at Notcutts’ Support Office in Woodbridge, and he became Head of Plants and Gardening in 2016. Colin has been responsible for sourcing and stocking all plant and gardening products across the garden centre group, and he has also supported with the design and build of Notcutts’ show gardens at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and the Sandringham Flower Show which won a Large Gold Medal in 2017.

Earlier this year, Colin was presented with an engraved RHS medal and certificate by Caroline Notcutt, Vice Chairman of Notcutts during Notcutts’ annual conference. The RHS Long Service Award recognises individuals with 40 years’ continuous service in the horticultural sector.

Colin said: “I am truly honoured to receive such a special recognition from the RHS, it is the icing on the cake of my 46 year career as I plan for retirement this autumn. I have a lifetime of fond memories working at Notcutts and I have been overwhelmed with the kindness and support of colleagues and customers as I approach my next chapter.

“I have been fascinated by plants, nature and wildlife since I was young, I always wanted to work outdoors. I am fortunate to have enjoyed a career doing something I love, sharing my passion for plants every day and helping others to achieve their garden vision. My love for gardening will continue, and now I’m looking forward to spending more time enjoying my own garden at home.”

Nick Burrows, CEO, Notcutts, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Colin for dedicating so much of his career to Notcutts, and for sharing his energy and passion for plants and gardening with all who met him. It is also a huge honour to see Colin achieve recognition from the RHS. He is an inspiration for our whole team and an example of commitment and ambition, following his journey from work experience to senior leadership.

“Colin has been a fundamental part of Notcutts, he is well loved and highly respected as an industry expert among our suppliers too. While we will all miss his wisdom and character, we wish him all the best for a long and happy retirement.”

Colin Dale will remain in his role until later this year, with plans already underway for his successor.