Top RHS award as visionary horticulturalist retires from University

PA 160/08 "Gardening on a grand scale." That's how The University of Nottingham's Grounds Manager, Ian Cooke, describes his award-winning career on campus, which comes to an end this summer. He's retiring on a big high having attained one of the most prestigious horticultural awards in the world - an Associateship of Honour of the Royal Horticultural Society. This rare accolade is a lifetime achievement award for contributions to horticulture. Only 100 people can hold the honour at any one time. The award coincides with the announcement that Ian is retiring from the University at the end of July 2008 after 14 years transforming the campus landscapes. When he started at the University Ian's vision was to break away from the 'supermarket car park' landscaping of standard urban green spaces.