March 13th: Today’s Feature

March

Dannahue "Danny" Clarke is a British horticulturist who co-hosts the BBC series The Instant Gardener with Helen Skelton.

Danny Clarke, a native of Oxford, was born to Jamaican immigrant parents. After a career in sales, he decided to venture into a new path and established his own garden design company in Bromley in 1997. Inspired by the success of another entrepreneur who called himself the Black Farmer, Danny adopted the moniker of The Black Gardener. This unique name caught the attention of many, leading to exciting opportunities.

In 2015 and 2016, he was invited to screen test for The Instant Gardener, a popular daytime BBC program that aired for two seasons. Additionally, Danny showcased his expertise as a presenter for the BBC on prestigious events such as the RHS Chelsea and RHS Tatton Flower shows. In 2016, he also had the privilege of hosting Tree of the Year for Channel 4. Danny's passion for gardening and his remarkable journey have made him a well-known figure in the industry.

In recognition of his contributions to the world of gardening, a beautiful David Austen English shrub rose was named 'Dannahue' after Danny Clarke in 2023. This rose holds a special significance as the proceeds from its sale will be donated to a not-for-profit organisation called Grow2know. This organisation is dedicated to supporting horticulture within diverse communities, ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits and joys of gardening.

Danny Clarke, a gardening expert with a wealth of knowledge and experience, was born as Dannahue Clarke in Oxford in 1956. His parents, who were Jamaican, made the brave decision to immigrate to England in search of a better life. While Danny's mother took care of the family as a stay-at-home mum, his father served in the English army. This upbringing instilled in Danny a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors.

Growing up in a military family, Danny and his siblings had the opportunity to experience different parts of England. Due to his father's job, the family had to relocate frequently, resulting in Danny and his siblings being born in various locations across the country. However, in the 1970s, the family finally settled in Kent, where Danny and his five siblings (four sisters and a brother) spent their formative years.

Tragically, Danny Clarke faced a series of heartbreaking losses between 2006 and 2010. During this period, he had to endure the passing of several beloved family members. It started with the sudden loss of his only brother, Roy, who succumbed to a heart attack. This devastating blow was followed by the passing of his father, who battled stomach cancer. Danny then had to say goodbye to his sister Sandra, who fought a courageous battle against breast cancer. Lastly, he experienced the loss of his younger sister, Margot McLellan, who bravely fought glioblastoma multiforme. These losses undoubtedly shaped Danny's perspective on life and reinforced his dedication to making a positive impact in the world of gardening.

Danny Clarke embarked on his professional journey as a salesman, dedicating himself to this field for several years until he reached the age of 40. However, a strong desire for change began to stir within him, prompting him to explore a new career path that aligned with his true passion for working with soil and tending to gardens.

With this newfound determination, Danny decided to pursue a career in gardening and started off as a garden maintenance practitioner. Fortunately, he encountered his first client, who not only became his mentor but also imparted valuable gardening knowledge and techniques to him.

As time went on, Danny's reputation as a skilled gardener grew, resulting in an increasing number of clients seeking his services. This marked a turning point in his life, as he made the bold decision to leave his sales job behind and fully commit to a career in gardening.

In order to further refine his skills and expand his knowledge, Danny enrolled in a garden design course at Hadlow Horticultural College. Armed with newfound expertise, he established his own gardening company, which he named Black Gardener, in 1997. The unique and memorable name of his company played a significant role in setting him apart from others in the industry.

Danny's exceptional talent and dedication to his craft caught the attention of television producers, leading to his first opportunity as a host on various gardening shows such as "Love Your Garden," "Tree of the Year," and "RHS Chelsea." Alongside managing his successful company, he continues to share his expertise and passion for gardening with a wider audience through these television appearances.

Despite his professional achievements, Danny Clarke remains a humble individual. He is happily married and leads what may appear to be a simple life. However, behind the scenes, he cherishes a beautiful family that provides him with love and support.