As Steve Strachan steps into retirement, we want to express our sincere appreciation for his incredible 47 years of service.
Your unwavering dedication and the contributions you've made will leave a lasting legacy, and you will be truly missed by everyone at Johnsons. Below we asked him about his time at Johnsons.
1) What inspired you to pursue a career in horticulture? I wanted to work outside and after trying pig farming for a while I saw an advert in the job centre for an apprentice nurseryman and thought I would give it a go for a few weeks, 2444 weeks later (17108 days) I am still here, must have enjoyed it.
2) Most memorable day at Johnsons?
So many but I guess one that sticks out is when I was the put in charge of the Whixley propagation site at 23 in 1984.
3)Which mentors/colleagues had the greatest influence on your career?
john Richardson and Danny Elliott, John made it fairly clear from day one what he expected of you, Danny and others helped you along the way.
4)What has been the most rewarding aspect of your job?A difficult one as the propagation unit is now defunct but I would say helping others get up to the speed and standards we expect.
5) What are you most proud of? I have been lucky enough to have a fairly exemplary sickness record but did drag myself in a few times when probably I shouldn’t have.
6)What has been the most challenging?
There have been many downturns and recessions over the years not to mention Covid and helping the company navigate these in any small way I could was a challenge. On a day-to-day basis the weather.
7)If you had to choose a favourite plant from growing over the years, what would it be?
Favourite Shrub would probably be Viburnum burkwoodii I have one near my back door and just love the scent in springtime, favourite herbaceous would be crocosmia, such vivid colours and favourite tree would be Betula Ernanii I just like the form and bark in particular.
8)What changes have you seen in the industry over the years?
So many changes, from the length of the working week to the mix of staff from so many nations. Our first Artic and first Forklift truck seemed like big changes but not really, moving forward more mechanisation must come to the fore as it already has done in other sectors of horticulture.
9)What advice would you give to someone just starting out in horticulture?
Get stuck in and do your best and be patient if things don’t always work out.
10) How will you stay connected to the industry? I only have a small garden and would hope that I can give it more attention than I did in the past.
11) What are you most grateful for as you look back on 47 years of service? In my private life the support and understanding from my wife, Deb and at work the continuity of work through thick and thin at Johnsons and the opportunities I have been given.
12) What are your plans or hobbies for retirement? I hope to play lots more golf and do more walking i.e.. The Coast-to-Coast walk, Cleveland Way etc. Maybe even take up fishing again.
Posted 1st Oct 11:35am
