Paul Cook

Paul Cook is Curator of Ness Botanic Gardens and a member of the BGEN committee.
 
How long have you been working with plants and the natural world?

I started gardening as a teenager and went to work at a rose nursery when I was 18, so for 30 years I have been involved with horticulture and have always taken an interest in natural sciences.
 
Why is helping to connect people and plants important to you?

Because plants are essential to life, for food , for health, for employment for enjoyment. Giving people the opportunity to see how important plants are in a stimulating and beautiful environment is challenging and rewarding .
 
Tell us about a project you're really proud to have been involved in.

The bamboo garden at Ness and, more recently, working with BGCI on the Growing the Social Role of Botanic Gardens project and working with a secondary school in inner city Liverpool.

Finally, what is your favourite plant?

Pieris Formosa ‘Forrestii'. The original plant collected by George Forrest and grown by AK Bulley at Ness is still here, full of crimson red shoots and white lily of the valley flowers every year. It's a plant with a history and looks good as well.