Mike Morris

A Life in the Day of a College Gardener

Mike Morris

My name is Michael Morris, most know me as Mike, Mick, Mickey or Mikey, or just by my blue Giants cap. I started here as an apprentice gardener in 1980. I love being outside, and when I was looking for work it was my dad’ s suggestion to ask around the colleges. When I came for my interview, I couldn ’t believe how big the gardens were. I was interviewed by Dr McKee, the College Steward, and afterwards by the Head Gardener at the time, Graham Payne. People were so kind and welcoming that I felt at home straight away. The team was Graham Payne, Neil Shaw, Mark Leavens, Nick Kingston and Ken Miller. Chris Mumford did the offsite properties and Albert Jolly was a groundsman. We got on well working together as a team. The first task I carried out alone was weeding the conifer beds along Pump Court (I guess they thought I couldn ’t pull up anything I shouldn ’t!). I went to Milton Farm School every week, but I found it difficult to master the theory side and to mix with other students.

I’ m happiest doing practical work, looking after nature and watching it flourish over the seasons. Over the years, I’ ve learnt what needs to be done when. There are things to do all year round. Major jobs include the transition of the beds, mowing lawns and cutting edges. The shrubs need pruning, and the hedges need cutting. My favourite time of year is my birthday month of April. The bulbs come up and everything blooms; it’ s a fresh start to a new year. I love the daffodils and the cow parsley in the woods. The wisteria in First Court is amazing when it comes into flower.

The events keep us busy in June and July. It was great to have the May Ball back after three years. We work with the May Ball committee to assist and help create a beautiful landscape for their event. One particular member of the May Ball committee this year was an absolute gem.

After the Ball it’ s time to clear up ready for Graduation Day. Visiting parents are always full of praise for our work, which is nice. They say how much they appreciate the grounds and environment and how lucky their children are to study

here.

My favourite areas are the Master ’ s Garden and West Court because they are private and enclosed, and have a nice, safe feel to them. The best part of the job is mowing stripes in the lawn. The roller pushes the nap of the green one way and then the other, which creates the illusion of light and dark green when the light catches it. It’ s a skill you learn with experience. I was delighted when someone told me I’d been caught on camera this year mowing circles in First Court, then making a Union Jack in Chapel Court to celebrate the Queen ’ s Jubilee. I don ’t use social media myself,

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but I was pleased by the reaction of thousands of people on Facebook and Twitter ‘liking ’ my work.

Autumn is one of the hardest times in the gardens because of the constant fight with leaves. Honestly, the first few thousand are okay but then it gets a bit repetitive. It takes forever to clear them up and is an ongoing task, even though we have leaf blowers and snappers to help pick them up.

Outside work, I listen to music and like films. My biggest passion is American football. My team is the New York Giants and I’ ve watched them play twice in the UK in the National Games in 2007 and 2016. It was an incredible experience to see them live. I’ ve played a six-aside version here with the students.

I keep my garden at home simple; just a lawn and shrubs round the sides. I also write about my feelings and let my thoughts out on paper; it’ s a useful way to express myself and try to keep healthy mentally.

I haven ’t spoken much in College about my hereditary health condition, but it has affected me a lot. It’ s called Neurofibromatosis NF1. It has impacted on my self-confidence and held me back in many ways from a young age. My brother at home is a great support to me.

Being outside and keeping busy physically and mentally helps, and I try not to dwell on things. The people I’ ve worked with over the years have all helped me. Paul Stearn was always supportive to me in and outside work. Now Lee de Grammont has taken over as Head Gardener and has settled in well. The current team consisting of Colin, Callum and Danny are all great. I couldn ’t imagine working with better people, and after 42 years, I consider myself incredibly lucky to be here. n

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