THE gardening world and his home village are in mourning after the sudden death of a well-known businessman.

Brian Smith, 58, of Durley, had spent 35 years building up his successful production nursery Woodlea Nurseries from scratch.

Mr Smith had also raised thousands of pounds for a number of local charities over the years.

He was chairman of the British Bedding and Pot Plant Association and worked tirelessly on television, radio, in gardening magazines and at talks and demonstrations to brighten Britain.

Mr Smith was named Grower of the Year and Bedding Plant Grower of the Year in 1996 and his Patio Plus range was selected as a finalist in the Marketing Campaign of the Year in 1999.

He was also an enthusiastic lecturer on plants and gardens to groups and societies both in Britain and abroad.

Colleague and Hillier Garden Centre director Andrew McIndoe said: "Heaven will undoubtedly be full of busy lizzies next summer."

Mr Smith could often be seen calling the local bingo during the quiet season and was involved in the village carol singing to raise funds for an annual party for the elderly in Durley and jointly organised the village carnival variety show.

His fundraising efforts have boosted the coffers of a large number of charities including The Greenfingers Appeal, the Magpie Scanner Appeal at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Bishop's Waltham in Bloom, Naomi House Children's Hospice, the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the Durley Thresher Room Appeal.

He lived and worked at Woodlea Nurseries with his wife Karen where they employed nine full-time and three part-time staff all year round, plus extra seasonal help in the spring.

Mr Smith leaves his wife, who will continue to run the business, a daughter Mandy, a son Matthew and two grandchildren Rose and Gabriel.

Mr Smith died suddenly on Tuesday. A funeral date is yet to be arranged.