Ryan has always loved nature and as a young boy he would eagerly anticipate the arrival of his father’s Australian Geographic magazine, he'd read it twice before anyone else knew it had been delivered.
Inspired by these images and articles, Ryan was inspired by the idea of becoming a naturalist and working with nature. A few years later when it came time to earn his keep, Ryan was successfully employed at a local garden centre; it was the catalyst for a career working with plants and where he found his passion.
Ryan completed a degree studying Environmental and Urban Horticulture at the University of Technology, Sydney; followed by a Diploma in horticulture specialising in landscape design at Ryde School of Horticulture.
Ryan has spent over two decades employed at some of Australia’s leading retail, wholesale and production nurseries.
He has a keen interest in the interaction’s plants have with pests, diseases, physiology, along with any beneficial relationships between species.
You can see some of Ryan's work in the video below:
Expertise
Ryan began working at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah in 2017. As Supervisor of the ornamental gardens, Ryan’s role involves: overseeing the development of the various ornamental garden beds and displays - including the design and seasonal plant selection in the formal garden; along with the introduction of new and interesting plants in order to increase the diversity of the Living Collection at the Garden.
Hydrangeas at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah