An Introduction to Rhododendrons with Mark and Derek Bobin

Currently Head Gardener at Borde Hill Gardens in Sussex, leading the historic visitor garden, biodynamic walled kitchen garden and Sugworth biodynamic vegetable and floristry market garden. Previously, Mark led a happy team at Minterne House and Gardens, caring for the 27-acre, Grade II listed, visitor garden in West Dorset – home to rare and unusual plants, including an important collection of Rhododendron.

Mark’s interest in horticulture began as a child, and he had the unique experience of growing up at two National Trust sites, here at Sheffield Park and Garden, and later at Bateman’s.

Mark has professionally worked in horticulture for 22 years and is the current Vice-Chairman, Communications Officer and Plant Propagation Lead for the RHS Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group. He is also a specialist in woodland gardening with a particular interest in Rhododendron species. In 2019, 2023 and 2025, Mark joined expeditions to the Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh and China to study plants in their natural habitat. He has produced and presented several multimedia talks about these trips and has written about them for various publications, including the RHS Rhododendron Camellia & Magnolia Group yearbook.