The garden industry has been saddened by the news of the death of former GIMA President Peter Field, who passed away unexpectedly on Thursday 11th January at the age of 81. 

Peter remained a passionate gardener until the end. He had recently moved to a new home in Yapton, West Sussex, and was enthusiastically making plans for the garden design (not afraid to use his 20-plus years as an industry stalwart for a cheeky discount on tools and plants). 

Peter came to the garden industry late in his career, and having dipped his toe in the water with sales roles for other companies, he formed his own Garden Innovations Ltd in 1996. 

Having established a successful range of products, he threw himself into the role of representing fellow suppliers and manufacturers. He was a Director of GIMA from 1999 to 2013, where he made many friends, and was a voice for the small business (his arrival for committee meetings in his white van, was a familiar sight, at the Birmingham offices). He was deeply honoured to serve as GIMA President in 2008/2009.

Peter was also a champion of the Greenfingers charity to which he devoted a lot of his time and energy.  From its early days he helped organise the sale of obsolete industry stock to benefit the cause, as well as creating ‘Greenfingers’ versions of his own products. He was a Trustee for many years, retiring as voluntary treasurer in 2018. He tried to be as hands-on as he could, visiting many of the children’s hospices where Greenfingers had helped create gardens. 

Age and ill-health prevented him from doing more, but it was a mark of his level of commitment that he was invited and accepted, to become an Honorary Member of the charity.

He leaves Mary his wife of 45 years and two sons, Duncan and Gregory.

For information about Peter's funeral please contact greg.field@garden-innovations.co.uk