David Smith was born in Shropshire, England, and raised on the Earl of Bradford's estate, where his father was head gardener. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force in 1943, came to Clewiston in August 1944 where he joined Course 22 at Riddle Field.



When he returned to England in April 1945, he discovered that the RAF no longer needed all the pilots they had trained, and so he became a physical fitness officer for the RAF Central Flying School. He left the RAF in 1947. In 1949, he joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve and flew a few training missions for the reserve until it was phased out in 1952.



Pursuing a love of gardening, David worked for a large English nursery, and in 1954, moved to Connecticut with his wife, Diana to work at the White Flower Farm, Litchfield, CT. He quickly rose to become their Director of Horticulture. He officially retired in 1990 but continued to give lectures and tours of gardens, the passion of his life, until his death.

David was very active in the community. He served seven years as president of the Tri-Town Little League. He was a dedicated member and past president of the Connecticut Horticultural Society, a member of the Litchfield Lions Club, and an active member of St. Michael's Church in Litchfield.