David Hurrion

An accomplished plantsman, horticulturist, writer and broadcaster, David has been growing plants since childhood. With more than 50 years of practical experience, he has worked in gardens and nurseries across different regions of the UK, gaining first-hand knowledge of a wide range of soils, climates, plants and growing conditions.

David studied horticulture at Writtle College in Essex and gained his certificate in education, teaching subsequently at some of the country’s foremost horticultural colleges. As a trained teacher, he has taught subjects including botany, soil science, plant identification, propagation, garden design and crop production, from City & Guilds level through to degree courses.

He has travelled to every continent except Antarctica in search of plants and gardens, both independently and while accompanying more than 70 groups of gardeners. These journeys have enabled him to see plants growing in their natural habitats and understand how gardens respond to different landscapes and climates. His Travel Editions tours range from the great gardens of Cornwall and Norfolk to Normandy, Brittany, Galicia’s historic camellia route and the extraordinary flora and landscapes of South Africa.

Alongside his practical horticultural career, David has spent more than 20 years writing for and editing gardening magazines and websites. He was Deputy and later Associate Editor of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, and has appeared on television, radio and in numerous practical gardening videos. He has designed, built and planted displays at major UK garden shows, including the Chelsea Flower Show, and is a Show Judge for the Royal Horticultural Society.

A knowledgeable and genial host, David combines considerable expertise with an engaging, down-to-earth approach. On tour, he helps travellers appreciate not only individual plants and planting schemes, but also the soils, climates, people and ideas that have shaped each garden.