Tributes have been paid to a lifelong gardening enthusiast who inspired others with his passion for plants.

Will Giles, the owner of The Exotic Garden, on Thorpe Road, Norwich, died from cancer on Wednesday aged 64.

He had opened his garden to the public during summers for more than 30 years.

Peter Appleton, a volunteer at The Exotic Garden who knew Mr Giles for more than 20 years, said: 'Gardening was his greatest passion.

'He introduced me to new plants and taught me a lot about gardening.'

Mr Giles' passion for exotic plants stemmed from childhood when his grandmother took him to Kew Gardens, in south-west London, where he was enthralled by its palm house, according to Mr Appleton.

Born and bred in Norwich, Mr Giles worked as a botanical illustrator.

He picked up seeds of exotic plants from travels to countries in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, and grew them at home.

Mr Giles, a columnist for the EDP's Weekend magazine, also gave talks to various horticultural groups in Norfolk and worked with BBC Radio 4 gardening personality Matt Biggs.

'He was artistic and very much an individual,' Mr Appleton said. 'He loved the garden and was there seven days per week. His garden was his life.'

The one-acre garden has closed indefinitely since Mr Giles' death.

He leaves a sister, Coreen Still, who lives in Canada.

A posting on the Exotic Garden Facebook page read: 'It is with great sadness that we inform of the death of Will Giles on Wednesday, September 2.

'Will was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and dealt with the devastating news in his own private way. He was determined to relish every last moment of life and enjoyed relatively good health until earlier this year when, after a spell in hospital, he discovered that the treatments were no longer effective.

'Will enjoyed working in his garden for as long as his health allowed, creating the new green wall and directing the planting scheme for this season.

'He will be sadly missed by all who have known him personally, or been inspired by his creativity.

'Unfortunately, for logistical reasons, it will not be possible for the garden to remain open for the remainder of the 2015 season. We thank you for your understanding.'

Do you want to pay tribute to Mr Giles? Email nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk