He was well-known as a Tillington plants and Christmas tree buyer, and a judge and panellist at plant awards and other events, as well as being an eloquent spokesperson for the industry, with unrivalled knowledge of the plant-buying public and procurement of plants from the UK and overseas.
Alton Garden Centre first opened its doors in March 1971. Andy Bunker's father Derek Bunker borrowed £1,000 from the bank and set up a small greenhouse off the Arterial Road — just enough space for 10 cars and a handful of plants.
They grew turnover £8m annually and to employ 90 staff, including family members such as Andy, who ran the plantarea there for 48 years until 2026, when British Garden Centres took over Alton. Bunker then joined British Garden Centres as a plant expert.
He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer recently and died on 13 July.
TRIBUTES
Michael Smith of WD Smith & Son said: "For the last 20 years Andy and I created such a strong bond over this industry and Southend United. We’ve spent weeks travelling around the UK and Europe trying to put together the perfect plant offer. All our harebrained ideas would be distilled over lunches at our favourite local, and as he told our wives on Saturday this was hard work! It was, but also great fun, and a privilege to have this time. Loyal, with a heart of gold, insightful and never short of an analogy. This has been such a cruel time, our thoughts are with his family. I, my family and all at W. D. Smith are going to miss him so much."
HortWeek editor Matt Appleby writes: "This is such sad news. Andy was a great contributor to HortWeek for many years and would do anything for anyone. He was always a great help to me. His analogies were always entertaining and spot on and the knowledge he loved to share was invaluable. He was such a kind soul and will be much missed by everyone who met him in horticulture."
Industry veteran Ian Riggs said: "I first encountered Andy 22 years ago. In the following years many long chats in his cabin at Alton GC, about the industry, plants, characters. Always extremely proud of his family's sporting achievements, not least his own golf successes. Never shy to tell it as it was, a forthright informed opinion on all aspects of horticulture. A knowledgeable plantsman who was rightly asked to judge many an award. A close friendship with growers, especially local growers like WD Smith where he formed an enviable working relationship, in turn, liaising with myself on genetics at Sakata. Always at ease, at home chatting to customers of the Alton plant department, offering sound advice. Travelled extensively to source and inspect plants, more than 'The Christmas Tree King'. It is so sad that he will no longer be seen at the plant and trade shows. Deepest condolences to the Bunker family, for a friend I will miss."
Consultant Neville Stein writes: "The news of Andy Bunker’s passing this morning has left a palpable void in the UK horticultural sector. He was one of those individuals who made a significant and constructive impact on the industry, through a genuine, innate understanding of the business.
"Andy was a natural retailer. He had an unerring eye for what would sell, a deep passion for product, and a work ethic that was second to none. His long tenure at the family business, Alton Garden Centre, wasn't just a job; it was a testament to his commitment and 'stickability'. In an industry often characterized by job-hopping, Andy was a rock, a constant presence who built relationships with suppliers and customers alike over decades.
"Of course, for many of us in the trade, he was more than just a voice on the end of the phone or a contact at an industry event. He was one of those contacts who, over time, became a friend. I valued his friendship immenssley. He was generous with his time and his considerable knowledge, always willing to share a piece of advice, some industry information or an opinion.
"He was also great company. Whether we were discussing the finer points of a plant range, the fortunes of Southend United or The Shots (Aldershot Town FC) an evening with Andy was always filled with laughter. He was funny, warm, and a man who enjoyed good Chinese food, and the camaraderie of industry colleagues and friends.
"A spade was a spade with Andy, and that honesty, combined with his good humour, made him a man you could trust.
"The horticultural sector is a poorer place today because of his death. But we are all richer for having known him. Our thoughts are with his family, his colleagues and everyone who had the privilege of calling him a friend. He will be deeply missed."
Garden Centre Assocation CEO Peter Burks said: "We were very sorry to hear the news that Andy had passed away so suddenly. He was a long-standing and active member of the GCA who always attended events and supported initiatives. He would willingly share views on any industry issues and always had an interesting point of view. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family."
Woodlark Nurseries' Colin Edwards said: "Sorry to hear the passing of Andy. Another industry character gone and a great stalwart of the Bedding plant industry. Always had an opinion which we all listened to even if we didn’t agree! So sad."
Needlefresh's Christopher Hood said: "Andy Bunker was passionate about plants and the Garden Centre business. He lived and breathed the plant business. He was also, without doubt, the most knowledgeable buyer of Christmas trees in the UK. He knew his trees inside out and was hugely respected by tree growers all over Europe. Understanding the importance of the grower-retailer relationship, he became well known for going the extra mile to ensure not only that he had personally seen and approved the trees he was buying, but also that he worked with the grower to make his tough job at Harvest as easy as possible. He would send a hamper each year to all the growers who had supplied him and his buying group as thanks for all the hard work. He was genuinely a ;'one-off' and will be a great loss to the industry."
Volmary's Chris Finlay said: "I was truly shocked and saddened to learn of Andy’s illness and sudden passing. I’ve known and dealt with Andy for almost 30 years, he was a knowledgeable and passionate plant retailer, a true stalwart of the horticultural industry. In recent years I very much enjoyed judging plants with Andy at Floral Fantasia and always looked forward to seeing him and reminiscing over a cuppa and a sandwich. He never missed visiting Volmary at the International Flower Trials and would always give an insightful appraisal of our new plant breeding introductions. My thoughts go out to his family at this sad time."
Happy Plants' Nat Boynton said: "A real kick in the gut. Andy had been a great friend and mentor to me right from the start. He was never afraid to tell you when you were wrong, but he'd also be the first to back you if he believed in what you were doing. It didn't matter whether you were one of his closest friends or someone he didn't always get on with, you'd get the same humour, fairness and integrity. When Andy loved something, he really loved it. Whether it was plants, football or one of his famous racing tips, he loved it wholeheartedly, and you couldn't help getting caught up in that enthusiasm. A huge loss for us all."
Plants for Europe's Graham Spencer said: I only got to know Andy in more recent years, but he was always generous with his knowledge and ideas. You might not always agree with him, but you were silly if you didn’t take good note of what he said!"
The Plant Team's Tim Jacob said: "I first came across Andy some 34 years ago whilst at Farplants and enjoyed his input across many platforms. He was an old school buyer – he 'bought with his eyes and his gut feeling'. I always looked forward to my visits to see Andy at Alton in the old days – the big TV on in the background of the office (tuned into the Racing Channel), with the meeting talk starting off around race horses, golf and then finally followed by what plants I had on offer!
"We shared many a trip abroad to visit growers, where Andy was not shy in offering his opinions! He was a great ally whilst I was the buyer at Squires (with his Tillington hat on), and he’ll be sadly missed by everyone I know. He lit up the room with his presence, aura and especially his stories, which on an dull evening in January, after a long day looking at plants, always used to make everyone smile. Rest in peace Andy."
Hillier's George Hillier said: "I was very sorry to hear of the sad passing of Andy Bunker. He has been a prominent figure in our sector for a long time and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."
Justine Loehry said: "I worked closely with him when he was on the Tillington Group editorial board. He was always so friendly and enthusiastic - a lovely man."
Ball Colegrave MD Sandy Shepherd said: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Andy Bunker, a dear friend to many at Ball Colegrave and a true ambassador for our industry. Andy brought warmth, energy, and optimism wherever he went, and his presence was always a pleasure. He had a rare ability to look ahead with positivity, even during some of the industry’s most challenging times, and he remained a genuine ray of sunshine to all those fortunate enough to spend time with him.
"Whenever Andy visited our trial grounds, his insight, encouragement, and perspective were always greatly valued — as was his wicked sense of humour. He cared deeply about the future of horticulture and had a wonderful way of inspiring others to keep moving forward. It was a privilege to know him, to share conversations with him, and to benefit from his experience, enthusiasm, and kindness.
"Andy will be greatly missed by us all. We have lost not only a respected industry figure, but also a kind, positive and generous friend. His legacy will live on through the many people he encouraged, supported and inspired. He was, quite simply, a true industry legend."
Greenfingers chairman Boyd Douglas-Davies said: “Andy was a great personal friend for many years, and someone who meant a great deal to all of us at Greenfingers. He was kind, generous and always willing to support us in whatever way he could.
“Andy had a wonderful ability to connect people and make them feel part of something special. Through Garden Re-Leaf Day, the 24 hour plant-athon, his support of our events and the many introductions he made on our behalf, Andy helped strengthen the community around Greenfingers in a way that will have a lasting impact.
“He understood that our gardens are about so much more than plants and design. They provide moments of comfort and connection for children and families when they need them most. Andy believed wholeheartedly in helping us create those moments, we will always be grateful for the memories and the legacy he leaves behind.
“Our thoughts are very much with Andy’s family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Please send more tributes to matthew.appleby@haymarket.com
