Percy Thrower (1913-1988) was one of Britain’s first celebrity gardeners.
Born in January of 1913 he began is gardening career at 14 working under his father at the Horwood House. A position he stayed at till at the age of 18 he was awarded the position of tending the royal gardens at Windsor Castle.
Percy stayed at Windsor Castle for several years before in 1935 he left the Castle. The same year he began work for the City of Leeds Parks Department. While working for the city of Leeds he passed his Royal Horticultural Society’s General Exam.
1951 was a big year for Percy; he became the voice and face of British Gardening. Appearing on many television programs. The Famous gardener Alan Titchmarsh credits Percy with inspiring him to begin gardening.
The position that brought Percy the most fame was that of the gardener on the children’s program “Blue Peter”. A position he held from 1974-1987, at over 100 broadcasts he was the longest running and most dedicated of “Blue Peter’s” gardeners. During his run as the gardener he endeared himself to children and parents alike. Many adults now have fond memories of him from their childhood. There is no question that during his life Percy affected many, with his passion for gardening and his good nature.