Before his work in horticulture, Guy Watts held a range of corporate jobs in business development, consultancy, compliance, sales, and IT.

In 2007, he was part of a pair competing in the inaugural Woodvale Indian Ocean Rowing Race from Western Australia to Mauritius. The pair were at sea for 102 days and broke the world records for the first and fastest pair to row across the Indian Ocean successfully. The adventure saw them encounter sharks, storms, meteor showers, and six weeks of manually pumping water after an equipment failure. But it was all worth it as they aimed to raise money for the male cancer charity Orchid.

Guy’s connection with Architectural Plants is more than professional; first visiting when he was just 10 years old, he was captivated by its magical blend of craft, design, and plants. After years of working at the nursery, he purchased it in 2020, ushering the nursery into a new era, which included tripling homegrown production, expanding its award-winning design services, and regularly exhibiting at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

His love for horticulture is combined with his passion for helping the younger generation. In 2021, he became director of Viewscape Horticulture, a not-for-profit organisation which delivered horticultural apprenticeships to 18-24 year olds. But this wasn’t his first experience in helping others.

In 2010, he co-founded Streetscape, an award-winning horticultural charity that trained disadvantaged young people for careers in gardening and landscaping. The charity ran for seven years, during which time they delivered a silver-gilt-winning garden at RHS Hampton Court.

Guy has actively engaged in media and podcasting to share his expertise and insights. He has been featured on the HortWeek Podcast, where he discussed topics such as growing plants that are both commercially viable and environmentally sustainable. In this episode, Guy elaborated on his nursery’s chemical-free approach, the challenges of transitioning to a peat-free system, and the importance of biosecurity in plant cultivation.

Furthermore, Guy co-hosted an episode of the Two Good Gardeners podcast, where he and Jason Gilford delved into the nuances of selecting and cultivating architectural plants. They explored the characteristics that define the perfect sculptural specimen and discussed the challenges of running a nursery during extreme weather conditions.

Guy is currently an Alumni Ambassador for The College of Richard Collyer, and has spoken at an employability workshop, sat on panels at parent/pupil evenings, and facilitates their Challenge of Management annual event.

As well as the multiple RHS garden events, Guy has appeared at the Ideal Home Show and has spoken at Chichester Cathedral’s Sponsors’ Dinner.

Guy Watss | Speaking Topics

– Resilience and Adventure: Lessons From Rowing Across the Indian Ocean

– Entrepreneurship in Action: Growing a Bold Horticultural Business

– Delivering the Impossible: Team Motivation and Logistical Planning

– Sustainability and Innovation: Building an Off-Grid Future in Horticulture

– Designing for Growth: Creating Gardens that Evolve, Inspire, and Transform Spaces

–  Social Impact and Apprenticeships: Inspiring the Next Generation Through AP Homegrown and Streetscape, and Championing Charity

Why Book Guy Watts?

– He’s a Guinness World Record holder and RHS award winner

– He inspires audiences with real stories of resilience and vision

– He is a proven entrepreneur scaling a horticultural business with sustainability at its core

– He is engaging and has a high-energy delivery that leaves audiences motivated

– He is a proven storyteller, blending thrilling adventure, social purpose, and entrepreneurial grit

– He inspires action, leaving audiences energised with practical lessons in resilience, teamwork, and vision

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers today to book Guy Watts for your corporate event. 

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