Guy Watts on Architectural Plants, Apprenticeships and Extreme Adventures

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Guy Watts, Managing Director of Architectural Plants in West Sussex. Guy shares how his 32-acre nursery grows 60–70% of plants on site, using propagation, grafting and container growing to produce hardy, long-lasting trees and shrubs. He explains why the business invests heavily in apprenticeships, creative maintenance and AI-driven garden design.

The conversation also dives into Guy’s personal story, from rowing across the Indian Ocean to earning his pilot’s licence, and how extreme challenges shaped his leadership and resilience. Listeners will also hear about unusual projects like helicopter-delivered trees, solar-powered plant labs and why vocational training is key to the future of horticulture.

Perfect for gardeners, landscapers, horticulture students, sustainability professionals and anyone fascinated by the business of plants and the culture of making.

Key Topics Covered

• The origins and operations of Architectural Plants in West Sussex
• Propagation, grafting and why hardy plants matter in the UK climate
• Container growing, irrigation systems and customer garden design
• Apprenticeships, vocational training and inspiring young people into horticulture
• Creative maintenance and events like Clip Fest
• Use of AI and technology in nursery operations and customer experience
• Extreme adventures including rowing across the Indian Ocean and flying lessons
• Company culture, resilience and lessons from running a large nursery

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Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

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Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Guy Watts and Architectural Plants

04:40 How the nursery grows and propagates plants

08:30 Guy’s early gardening experiences in Rye

12:20 Creative maintenance and Clip Fest at Chelsea Flower Show

15:00 Apprenticeships and training the next generation

20:00 Challenges in recruiting young people into horticulture

25:00 Balancing technology with traditional horticultural skills

36:50 Solar power, plant labs and rare propagation

45:00 Designing gardens and customer experience with AI

50:00 Delivering trees by helicopter and extreme logistics

53:50 Why Guy got his pilot’s licence

55:30 Rowing across the Indian Ocean for 102 days

66:40 Lessons from Streetscape charity and resilience in business

70:00 Advice for young people entering horticulture