As a creative plantswoman and garden designer my strength is my comprehensive knowledge of plants and the conditions they need to thrive.
With over 25 years experience in design work, developing gardens and advising gardeners, my designs and recommendations are both imaginative and practical. I use my artistic flair and horticultural knowledge to best effect in the gardens in which I’ve worked over the years, and have improved the views from windows of many homes and on all types of soil.
Although I can design any style of garden, I favour cottage style gardens, simply because they do the most for wildlife and the environment. I aim to include plants that provide shelter and nectar for garden wildlife for all times of the year. My designs focus first on ensuring there is structure for winter. Foliage, flowers and fragrance are all well considered in my schemes. This also ensures your garden has something interesting in bloom in each and every month. I enjoy creating gardens of all styles…I have a great imagination! I know exactly which plants will truly reduce the maintenance requirement.
I recommend an organic approach. I find this reduces maintenance, and is so much better for wildlife.
I recognise how hard it is to know what to do, and when to do it. I can help by prioritising garden tasks. I have a big garden so understand the pressure of time and effort needed to maintain and develop gardens of all sizes. I am friendly, approachable and listen carefully to your wishes. If you’re not at all sure what you want, I can guide you and talk things over to find the best solution.
Horticultural History
I have always loved nature and the natural art it creates. My early career was office based, but my heart has always been out in the garden. My dedication to gardening became full-time in my mid twenties following a career break to start my family. In fact the kids didn’t always get their tea on time as my obsession was, and still is, total! An avid reader of ‘The Garden’ and ‘The Plantsman’ I worked two organic allotments for home kitchen use. I followed this with work as a Gardener’s Assistant, then became a self-employed Gardener and a Plant Nursery Assistant whilst also studying three years for the RHS General Certificate in Horticulture and the RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture. Friends encouraged me to share my comprehensive knowledge and enthusiasm and I started working formally as a garden adviser and designer in 2003. I have clients from all over Surrey and Sussex, and have forged long term ‘garden’ relationships with many of them.
Qualifications
- Geography BScHons, University College London
- RHS Advanced Horticulture, specialising in Design, Maintenance and Construction
Other training and development
- RHS Wisley, Fruit pruning and training
- Member of RHS and the RHS Fruit group
- Regular attendee of the London Landscape Show
- Committee member of Outwood Horticultural Society
Garden Inspiration 