How did you become a horticulturalist?
I was always interested in general natural history, particularly plants, and went into gardening as an apprentice in Hampton Court, and then a student course at RBG Kew.

How long have you been working in Dublin Zoo?:
30 long years………….

What section of Dublin Zoo do you work in?:
All of them!

What animals do you take care of?:
None, and all.

Which are your favourite animals in the Zoo?
Anything that doesn’t eat my plants, so carnivores!

Can you tell us one of your most Exciting/Funniest/Most Memorable moments in the Zoo?
Building the dinosaur exhibit many years ago, seeing how well the plants, especially bamboo, have made the elephants' Kaziranga trail, and changing the whole appearance of the zoo over the years with mass planting. The funniest is still watching the ostriches trying to walk on icy concrete, whenever they slipped they had a look of utmost indignation on their faces.

What do you love most about your job?
The variety, and the freedom to plant almost whatever I like to get the right effect.

What’s the most difficult thing about your work?
Freezing cold and snow or very wet weather, and keeping the plants out of reach of the more adventurous mouths around the zoo.

When you’re not working in the zoo, what other hobbies or interests do you have?
Gardening, walking, and researching ways to live forever