This week, we had A Conversation With.. Reiss Phillips. Reiss is Shiplake's full-time Gardener who can often be found atop a lawnmower, but is always found with a smile on his face (unless it hasn't rained in a while). He is known around the School for his friendly nature, upbeat character and his noisy machinery, but if you've met Reiss, you'll understand why we can easily forgive him!
What does your average day entail?
A tricky question to answer but here goes! Mowing lawns around the College grounds, pruning, weeding, watering borders, pots and lawns (when required), keeping up to date with Richard Evans and the rest of the Grounds team, machinery maintenance and upkeep,(at this time of year, it’s all systems go with hedge cutting, mowing lawns and keeping the borders looking nice) as well as working alongside the groundsman and helping out when and wherever I can. I’m making improvements each day with many other tasks not mentioned here.
What are your biggest challenges at Shiplake?
Mother nature is my biggest challenge as I am always trying to keep ahead of her, or at least close behind, to make sure that nothing looks too out of control. Another struggle is that I always need more rain! I have a saying: "Life is a challenge to challenge life"; or in my case, ‘life is a challenge to challenge Richard!’- I’m always going to him with ideas of developments and redevelopments.
Which variety of plant or tree do you think best represents you?
I would have to say the Native Green Beech Tree. It’s a really versatile tree, because it can be used for hedging and also grows really nicely as a tree. It also gets better with age….
What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
Learning my Horticulture skills from my father, putting what I have learnt from him to good use and expanding my experience and knowledge. Receiving my personal training diplomas at the end of my training way back in 2010 is also something I’m particularly proud of, and also making a positive difference within the Shiplake College family and campus grounds
What is your favourite thing (or things) about working at Shiplake?
The challenges I face within my position as Gardener at the College; working within an amazing team with amazing people and all of the different departments at the College; and just working within these beautiful surroundings, making positive changes that we can all enjoy. We are all so lucky, staff and students alike, to be within these amazing and beautiful surroundings
What is your favourite time of the year, and why?
I enjoy all of the seasons as they offer their own unique challenges and qualities, but if I had to choose I would say Spring-time, when everything is waking up from its Winter slumber and bursting back into life!
What does the future hold for Reiss Phillips?
If only I had a crystal ball and I would be able to answer this question, but I am hoping and being positive for a long and successful career and future to leave an imprint that will, hopefully, be remembered!
