Troy Scott Smith was borne in Yorkshire into a family of committed naturalists and spent his childhood exploring the geology and flora of the National Parks of England. He began his gardening at a young age, quickly developing a style of relaxed planting that mixed native wildings together with exotics. In 1990, after a total of 5 years studying horticulture and design, Troy joined the National Trust, becoming their youngest Head Gardener in 1997, at age 26. In the years since Troy has led the gardens at The Courts, Hyde Hall, Iford Manor, Bodnant and Sissinghurst, where he has been Head Gardener since 2013. Troy combines his work at Sissinghurst with design, consultancy, writing, teaching, lecturing and leading bespoke garden small group garden tours.