How did you get started? I studied horticulture at Kew and then joined the RHS six years ago, answering members' gardening questions in the advisory and diagnostic service. Then, last December, I saw the advert for maternity cover for the head of horticultural trials and relations and knew instantly that I would like to go for it. I've always been fascinated by the trials at Wisley, often going down to see them during lunchtime to get some inspiration for my own garden. The other part of the job is working with more than 250 people on the plant committees and trials assessment panels.

What does your typical day involve? I am working with committees and our garden teams developing a strategy for trials, so there are lots of meetings. But it is important to listen and get it right because the plants chosen (and the processes we develop to select them) will help strengthen the Award of Garden Merit for years to come.

What takes up most of your time? Organising day-to-day tasks with staff.

What is the best part of your job? Speaking with the most interesting people in horticulture all the time. There are household names such as Roy Lancaster and Fergus Garrett, but everyone I speak to has expert knowledge and a passion for their subject.

And the worst? Knowing that Kylie McKenna, the person for whom I am doing maternity cover, is raring to come back.

How do you wind down after a hard day's work? I love to go home and potter around my garden because I am office-based.

What does the future hold? In July, I expect to be back with the advisory and diagnostic team. Thankfully, there are some exciting developments there, too, as there is a new science strategy, and I hope to get involved with one of my favourite areas - gardening in the urban environment.