Brian Minter is an award-winning horticulturalist and entrepreneur who has provided inspiration to British Columbians on what is possible in the field of horticulture.

His acclaimed 32-acre Minter Garden was a top tourist destination for years and today passionate gardeners still flock to the Minter Country Garden for advice and inspiration. He is a best-selling author and regular garden commentator on the CBC and BBC, gardening columnist in provincial, national and international newspapers and magazines, and host of a gardening series on the Knowledge Network. He is an international speaker on gardening and industry topics.

He has provided leadership in the area of climate change both in terms of new horticulture species and practice and is active in many professional gardening associations throughout B.C., Canada, the USA and Europe where he is in high demand as speaker and horticultural authority.

In addition to his gardening expertise, Minter has been the board chair and the first chancellor of the University of the Fraser Valley and has played a key role in the economic and social betterment of the Fraser Valley, the city of Chilliwack and the University of the Fraser Valley. He served on a range of economic, tourism and service organizations, often taking leadership roles.

Minter is the recipient of the Order of Canada and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and has an honorary doctorate from the University of the Fraser Valley. He was awarded the Order of Chilliwack in 2013. As well, many B.C., Canadian and American gardening and tourism associations have recognized his achievements with awards. They include a Canadian Horticultural Science Award; Fellowship in the Garden Writers Association of America, and induction into the Gardening Writers Associations’ Hall of Fame; the Award of Merit, the highest honour from the Perennial Plant Association; and named 2015 Person of the Year by the Canadian Garden Council.