Chris Vacher – Owner & Head Gardener
RHS trained Vacher Gardens owner Chris Vacher has been a keen gardener all his life and has spent considerable time at Plumpton College in recent years. Chris founded Vacher Gardens 3 years ago, enabling him to combine his management skills and experience with a hands-on passion for practical work.
Chris is studying garden design and is keen to encourage members of his team to expand their own knowledge, with two team members attending an outdoor first aid course and two others taking a hard landscaping course at Plumpton College.
Keith Rowling
A retired civil engineer – designs and constructs raised vegetable beds, walls, steps, patios and decking and even refurbishes sheds.
Rob Veal – Assistant Gardener
Rob is developing a specialism in orchards. He is also learning about the maintenance of garden and agricultural machinery. He plans to attend Plumpton College on a full-time vehicle engineering course in September.
Ciaran Brown – Apprentice
Ciaran joined the team last July he aims to start his own business when he has completed his training later this year, alongside working for Vacher Gardens. He is interested in all types of grass, particularly sports turf. He enjoys preparing and producing fine lawns.
Alex Sheppard – Gardener/ Groundsman
Alex has been working with VG for almost 3 years. During this time he has been studying successfully towards a level 2 apprenticeship in Horticulture at Plumpton College. As well as being competent with most aspects of gardening Alex also enjoys and excels in the preparation of sports pitches for a number of local cricket clubs.
Additionally, Alex is qualified in the following skills; Miscellaneous Pedestrian and handheld garden machinery, Fruit tree pruning, Chainsaw usage, Herbicide and Pesticide Applications.
When Alex isn’t on the gardens or the turf he is busy bringing up his son 3-year-old Luca, and for relaxation, he likes to get out on his motorbike at any opportunity. He is also vice chairman of the Southeast motorbike chapter.
Anthony Chinnery – Gardener Groundsman
Chilly – Head of Woofs
Introducing our resident security guard and fun-bringer. Chilly ensures team morale remains high and loves being out in nature as much as her dad and founder Chris. Chilly isn’t at every job, but she is certainly the most well behaved when she makes an appearance.
Bill Radcliffe – Engineer who looks after all the machinery including mowers, strimmers and tractors.
Gaye Neathercott – is behind the scenes in the office keeping the accounts up to date.
Steve Veal – Senior Gardener and an expert in vegetables, plants and decorative hedging.