From Pot Boy to Primetime: Percy Thrower’s Shropshire Legacy
From humble beginnings to becoming Britain’s first celebrity gardener, Percy Thrower’s green-fingered legacy lives on in Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park. Discover how this horticultural hero shaped our county town and inspired a nation of gardeners.
Percy Thrower, a name synonymous with British gardening, left an indelible mark on Shropshire’s horticultural landscape. Born on 30 January 1913 in Little Horwood, Buckinghamshire, Thrower’s journey from a young ‘pot-and-crock’ boy to the nation’s most beloved gardener is a tale of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering love for all things green.
Early Years and Horticultural Education
Percy’s destiny was seemingly predetermined, growing up as the son of Harry Thrower, the head gardener at Horwood House. From a tender age, Percy was immersed in the world of horticulture, nurturing a deep-rooted ambition to follow in his father’s footsteps.
At the age of 18, Thrower embarked on his professional journey as a journeyman gardener at the Royal Gardens of Windsor Castle. This prestigious position, earning him a modest £1 a week, provided invaluable experience and laid the foundation for his future success. During his five-year stint at Windsor, Percy not only honed his gardening skills but also met his future wife, Connie Cook, daughter of the head gardener, Charles Cook.
Thrower’s thirst for knowledge led him to Leeds and Derby, where he continued to expand his horticultural expertise. It was in Derby that he passed the Royal Horticultural Society’s General Exam and later obtained the National Diploma in Horticulture, cementing his credentials in the field.
Shropshire Bound: A New Chapter
The pivotal moment in Thrower’s career came on 1 January 1946 when he was appointed Parks Superintendent for Shrewsbury. At just 32 years old, he had reached the pinnacle of his profession, becoming the youngest parks superintendent in the country. This role would define the next 28 years of his life and leave an enduring legacy on Shropshire’s county town.
The Dingle: Thrower’s Masterpiece
At the heart of Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park lies the Dingle, a floral masterpiece that stands as a tribute to Thrower’s horticultural genius. This sunken garden, once a stone quarry, was transformed under his expert guidance into a breathtaking landscape of alpine borders, vibrant bedding plants, lush shrubbery, and charming water features.
The Dingle became Thrower’s canvas, where he could showcase his creativity and passion for gardening. His innovative approach to planting schemes and landscape design turned this former industrial site into a haven of tranquillity and beauty, beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Reviving Shrewsbury Flower Show
Thrower’s influence extended beyond the confines of the Quarry Park. From his first year in Shrewsbury, he played a crucial role in reviving the post-war Shrewsbury Flower Show, serving as a horticultural advisor and eventually becoming chairman of the Shropshire Horticultural Society.
His dedication to the show was put to the test in 1970 when severe weather led to significant financial losses. Undeterred, Thrower, along with colleague Doug Whittingham, stood as financial guarantors to ensure the show’s continuation. Their faith was rewarded when the event returned to profitability the following year.
International Influence
Thrower’s expertise was not confined to Shropshire’s borders. In 1951, he was tasked with designing an English-style garden in Berlin’s Tiergarten area on behalf of the Shropshire Horticultural Society. This project, completed in collaboration with Berlin’s Superintendent of Parks, Herr Witte, was officially opened by British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden in May 1952.
This international venture marked Thrower’s first television appearance, foreshadowing the significant role he would play in broadcasting in the years to come.
The Rise of a Television Icon
Percy Thrower’s transition from local parks superintendent to national television personality began in the early 1950s. His natural teaching ability, honed during the wartime ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign, made him an ideal candidate for broadcasting.
Thrower’s television career took off with appearances on the BBC’s ‘Gardening Club’ in 1956. However, it was his role on ‘Gardeners’ World’ from 1969 to 1976 that truly cemented his status as Britain’s premier gardening expert.
Unlike previous studio-based programmes, ‘Gardeners’ World’ was filmed in real gardens with real plants, allowing Thrower to showcase his practical knowledge and enthusiasm directly to viewers. The advent of colour television further enhanced the impact of his broadcasts, bringing the vibrant hues of his horticultural creations into people’s homes.
Thrower was the resident gardener on BBC’s ‘Blue Peter’ children’s programme from 1974 to 1987. He designed and helped create the original Blue Peter Garden at BBC Television Centre in London, which included an Italian Sunken Garden with an ornamental fishpond. Thrower’s appearances on ‘Blue Peter’ helped introduce gardening to a younger audience, as he would regularly demonstrate planting and growing techniques to the presenters and viewers. His contributions were so valued that he was awarded a Gold Blue Peter Badge shortly before his death in 1988. Following his passing, a memorial plaque was placed in the Blue Peter Garden, along with some of his favourite plants.
Thrower’s broadcasting style was characterised by its simplicity and authenticity. He spoke directly to his audience, eschewing scripts in favour of sharing his vast knowledge and experience in a conversational manner. His distinctive south-midland accent and mild-mannered yet authoritative tone became hallmarks of his on-screen persona.
Beyond Broadcasting: A Gardening Empire
Percy Thrower’s influence extended far beyond the television screen. He became a prolific writer, penning columns for newspapers and magazines, including the ‘Radio Times’ and ‘Daily Mail’. His book, ‘In Your Garden Week by Week’ (1959), became a staple reference for amateur gardeners across the country.
In 1970, Thrower’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase Murrells of Shrewsbury, a local nursery, which he transformed into Percy Thrower’s Gardening Centre. This 40-acre site on the Shrewsbury by-pass became a mecca for gardening enthusiasts, offering a wide range of plants, many propagated on-site.
The centre’s success was remarkable. In 1977, it was reported to have grown 150,000 roses and raised 100,000 shrubs from cuttings. This venture not only showcased Thrower’s business acumen but also allowed him to share his passion for plants with a wider audience.
Controversy and Legacy
Despite his immense popularity, Thrower’s career was not without controversy. His endorsement of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, reflective of the horticultural practices of his time, put him at odds with the emerging environmentally conscious gardening movement.
This conflict came to a head in 1975 when the BBC terminated Thrower’s contract due to his commercial involvement with ICI, a leading producer of gardening chemicals. This decision, while controversial at the time, highlighted the changing attitudes towards environmental issues in gardening.
‘Blue Peter’ was a children’s programme, and the rules around advertising and commercial involvement were different for presenters in that context. The BBC allowed him to continue his role as the gardening expert on ‘Blue Peter’ because it was considered a separate arrangement from his other BBC work. As a result, Percy Thrower remained a key figure on ‘Blue Peter’ until 1987, despite the earlier termination of his broader BBC contract.
Nevertheless, Thrower’s legacy as a pioneering gardener and broadcaster remains intact. He played a crucial role in popularising gardening as a leisure activity in post-war Britain, inspiring countless individuals to pick up a trowel and experience the joys of cultivating their own green spaces.
The Man Behind the Plants
Beyond his professional achievements, Percy Thrower was known for his warm personality and dedication to his craft. He and his wife Connie raised three daughters, all of whom became involved in the family’s garden centre business.
Thrower’s passion for gardening was matched by his love for his adopted home of Shrewsbury. He continued to live in the town long after his retirement as Parks Superintendent in 1974, remaining an active and beloved member of the community.
Remembering Percy Thrower
Percy Thrower passed away on 18 March 1988 at the age of 75, leaving behind a rich horticultural legacy. His funeral at St Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury was a public affair, reflecting the high esteem in which he was held by both the local community and the nation at large.
Today, visitors to Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park can still admire the fruits of Thrower’s labour in the beautiful Dingle garden. A bust of the great gardener stands in the Dingle, a fitting tribute to the man who did so much to shape this beloved public space.
Percy Thrower’s influence on British gardening cannot be overstated. He bridged the gap between professional horticulture and amateur gardening, making the joys of cultivating plants accessible to millions. His legacy lives on not just in the physical spaces he created, but in the countless gardens across the country that were inspired by his teachings.
For Shropshire residents, Percy Thrower represents more than just a famous gardener. He is a local hero who brought national attention to our county town, enhancing its beauty and reputation. His work in the Quarry Park continues to be a source of pride and enjoyment for Salopians and visitors alike.
As we walk through the Dingle or attend the Shrewsbury Flower Show, we are experiencing living history — the tangible results of Percy Thrower’s vision and hard work. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the power of passion, dedication, and the profound impact one individual can have on their community and beyond.
Percy Thrower’s life and career embody the very essence of horticulture — nurturing growth, cultivating beauty, and leaving the world a little greener than we found it. As we continue to enjoy the fruits of his labour, we can all aspire to follow in his footsteps, tending our own gardens with the same care, knowledge, and enthusiasm that made Percy Thrower a true Shropshire legend.
Bob Lynn / 13-Sep-2024
