Customers, friends, colleagues, and family numbering several hundred recently said farewell at a moving service with full military honours to Stephen Doe (known as Steve), who died suddenly in February 2023, aged 61.

From his successful career with the Royal Marines, Steve - along with his brother Tony and business partner Peter - started the firm of Evergreen Exterior Services (EES) in the mid '80s from a small yard in Thornton Heath and at New Covent Garden Flower Market. EES then established a thriving nursery and wholesale distribution centre in Banstead, from which the company has grown to be the largest import and supply service in the South of England.

"Steve was a well known and well-loved part of our Flower Market for many years and he will be missed by a great deal of people," says Jo Breare, General Manager, Covent Garden Market Authority. "We'll all remember Steve for all the success and business he brought to New Covent Garden Market and we send our condolences to Steve's family and friends."

Steve’s dedication to the industry, encouragement to his staff and business colleagues and trusted integrity made him one of the most respected suppliers within the Flower Market. Always available to provide advice, source the seemingly impossible and ensure premium quality, Steve made EES the 'go to supplier' for shrubs, trees and annual plants for the majority of those in the London garden and landscape industry.

Steve stepped back from the day-to-day management of EES some five years ago to concentrate on his other passions of rugby, golf, fishing, to walk his dogs, and spend time with his wife Lorraine and their three wonderful daughters: Natalie, Emily and Gemma. He did, however, retain an active interest in the ongoing success of EES, New Covent Garden Flower Market and support to those in the industry.

He will be greatly missed by all those fortunate to have known him; less so perhaps the memory of his vibrant Hawaiian shirts which greeted the unsuspecting early morning customers! Donations in Steve’s memory can be forwarded to Jo Breare at CGMA, made payable to The Royal Marine Charity.