Trained as an
arboriculturalist, Hicks started his professional career as head gardener to surrealist art patron
Edward James at his Sussex estate, West Dean. He helped James create his gardens in England, Italy, and 'Las Pozas' in
Xilitla, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. After James' death, Hicks continued to live as garden manager at West Dean before moving on to other projects. Hicks was a presenter on ''
Gardener's World'' from 1999 to 2001. He has won a few awards, including one from the
British Association of Landscape Industries for his raised treetop walkway,
The Dark Walk, in the Enchanted Forest at
Groombridge Place in
Kent. ==Important designs==