The Spark of a Lifelong Passion
At the tender age of seven, Steven Hickman was gifted a few cacti for the summer. This seemingly innocuous present would lay the groundwork for a profound affinity for horticulture that would eventually lead him to the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Roots in a Mining Community
Raised in the heart of Barnsley’s mining community, Hickman’s ascent to the upper echelons of gardening was anything but conventional. His journey took him through academic halls at Askham Bryan College and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, and even across the globe to places like Saudi Arabia and Fiji, refining his horticultural skills.
A Business Born from a Hobby
What began as a mere pastime transformed into a lucrative venture. “It was by chance that I discovered I could earn a living from growing plants,” Hickman reflected. Now, at 68, he and his family have devoted nearly four decades to managing the Hoyland Plant Centre, which has become a recognized name in the gardening community.
Specialization and Success
Initially focused on a variety of plants, it wasn’t until a friend introduced him to Agapanthus, or the African lily, that Hickman found his niche. “Their rapid sales were a revelation, leading us to abandon other varieties and focus solely on Agapanthus,” he noted.
A Diverse Collection
Hoyland Plant Centre now boasts a remarkable array of over 50 Agapanthus varieties, including the esteemed Agapanthus Hoyland Blue and Yorkshire Rose. “Creating new cultivars and witnessing them bloom for the first time is exhilarating,” he shared.
A Milestone at Chelsea
The 2007 RHS Chelsea Flower Show marked a pivotal moment for Hickman when he showcased his first large-leaf variegated Agapanthus, named ‘Yorkshire Dream.’ “It was nerve-wracking, and sleep was elusive leading up to it,” he recalled.
Royal Recognition and Personal Reflections
With multiple awards under their belt, including consecutive double golds, Hickman’s work has garnered the attention of even royalty. King Charles, in particular, is known to remember conversations from previous encounters, a testament to his engagement.
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present
This year’s display at Chelsea, along with the RHS Wentworth Flower Show, is a tribute to Hickman’s father, a long-time miner. The exhibit will feature blooms arranged with brass instruments from the colliery band, evoking fond childhood memories.
A Family Legacy
As he reflects on the journey from a barren field to a thriving business, Hickman feels a sense of fulfillment, especially as he shares this legacy with his children, Colin and Heather. This year marks not only 40 years of the family business but also their 40th wedding anniversary.
A Bittersweet Nostalgia
Looking back, Hickman chuckles about the fate of those early cacti, admitting, “They never made it back to school. I kept them!” His journey reflects a blend of nostalgia, hard work, and an enduring love for plants that continues to flourish.
