From Garden Centres to Greenfingers: A Conversation with Boyd Douglas-Davies
In the latest episode of TheMorePeople Podcast, host Andrew Fitzmaurice sits down with one of horticulture’s most passionate and experienced figures: Boyd Douglas-Davies. With a career spanning over four decades and a resume that includes leadership roles at Hillview, Webbs, and British Garden Centres, Boyd brings a unique, richly layered perspective on the evolution of garden retail and its future.
A Career Cultivated Over Time
Boyd’s roots run deep in the garden centre industry. From his early days at Webbs of Wychbold, where he spent 20 years, to founding Hillview Garden Centres and expanding it to 11 locations, he’s seen the industry transform firsthand. His journey also includes time on the HTA board, serving three years as President and currently, he leads The Boyd Partnership, offering consultancy and non-executive support across the horticultural sector.
Now, as Chair of the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG), Boyd is working to unite key industry organisations to amplify the sector's voice to government, making the case for the critical role plants and gardening play in health, wellbeing, and the environment.
The Evolution of Garden Centres
One of the most compelling themes from the conversation is how garden centres have transformed from seasonal, plant-focused stores to year-round lifestyle destinations.
“We used to hunker down outside of the spring season,” Boyd recalls. “Now garden centres are 363-day-a-year businesses. People even shop online on Christmas Day.”
Though some purists worry garden centres are “less about plants,” Boyd argues that diversification has strengthened the industry. Offering food, events, homewares, and experiences actually brings in new customers who might discover a love for gardening simply by walking through the plant section on their way to the café.
“There’s a danger they might just pick up a plant,” he jokes. “And that’s the opportunity.”
Leadership Lessons from the Top
Managing a garden centre is no small feat. From plant procurement and seasonal merchandising to restaurant operations and weather forecasting, leaders in this space wear many hats. Boyd credits his success at Hillview to building a team of capable, confident colleagues who weren't afraid to challenge him.
His metaphor for leadership?
“I’m the train driver. I need people keeping the tracks clear, fuelling the engine, and making sure we don’t derail. When the route gets narrow, we slow down - but we always move forward together.”
That ethos lives on in his consultancy work today, helping garden centre teams balance creativity with operational discipline.
Greenfingers: Gardening with Heart
Towards the end of the episode, Boyd speaks movingly about his new role as Chair of Greenfingers, a charity that creates therapeutic gardens at children’s hospices. It’s a cause that beautifully bridges his professional passion and personal values.
“The garden might give a child just a few moments of joy, but for the families and carers, it creates a lifetime of memories.”
With its 25th anniversary this year, Greenfingers continues to make a meaningful difference thanks to generous support from the garden industry and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Boyd’s advice to anyone in horticultural retail? Be open to change. Be bold. Surround yourself with great people. And always ask, what more can we do for tomorrow than we did yesterday?
“If you can’t do better tomorrow than yesterday, don’t bother coming in.”
