Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Dr. Robert Mattock is the Honary Research Associate at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden where he researches the evolutionary genetics and taxonomy of Central Asian rose species,and the cultural linkage between Rosa x damascena and rose oil production. He is also an Associate at SKOPE in the Department of Education at Oxford University.where his research involves horticultural apprentices, offender learning and work ethic.
Originally specialist, early Victorian rose nurserymen, the Mattock family ran a substantial rose nursery business for 150 years until in the face of cheap imports from eastern Europe during 1985 the volume nursery production business was sold.
Robert then developed a wholesale niche operation for his father's growing expertise selling an extensive range of historic varieties, often rare and as large specimens, for planting for immediate effect before leaving to manage his own academic and business interests. On his father's death in 2002 he returned to Oxford to manage the high profile, specialist business on behalf of his mother until he found a home for the family's extensive botanical collection with Lord Heseltine at Thenford House.
Robert, focusses his academic interests under the brand 'Mattock Rose Science'. He is involved in the restoration of historic rose gardens throughout Europe; and although retired from volume nursery production, still produces a range of large specimen exhibition roses for his Chelsea Flower Show clientele.
Robert is a popular speaker internationally and has published variously on Rosa x damascena the Damask Rose, The Silk Road Hybrids, Rose Oil & Water production, Central Asian and Levantine rose species, Alfred Parsons and the Broadway Group, Horticultural Apprenticeships and Rose Replant Disorder.

Very experienced (71 years)

Accredited or certified authority, Author, Breeder, Show judge, Show exhibitor, Professional or Staff (commercial)

Last visit: More than a year ago