Why Gardener Jo Thompson Prefers ‘A Gentle Intervention, Rather Than A Heavy Stamp’
Contributions From JO THOMPSON
Jo Thompson is widely celebrated as one of the UK's most influential Garden Designers, with a portfolio that includes multiple RHS Medals & Awards. Jo is a Fellow of the SGD and Landscape Institute - as well as being a member of the RHS Gardens Committee, an RHS judge, and a visiting tutor at the London College of Garden Design.
Garden Designer, Writer and Speaker Jo Thompson is the recipient of multiple accolades including four Gold Medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Her design philosophy is deeply influenced by her experiences in Italy, where she spent much of her childhood and student years.
Leading a team of skilled professionals, she creates gardens that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally conscious.
Jo is also the leading voice behind The Gardening Mind – a friendly community of garden enthusiasts sharing tips for growing and inspirational gardens.
In this interview, I discover her inspirations and approach to garden design.
Please note that the imagery used in this interview has been provided with permission by Jo Thompson.
What are your earliest memories of gardening?
“My late father was Italian, so we spent a lot of time investigating the secrets of Rome,” begins Jo.
“One of my earliest memories is walking around the gardens at Villa d’Este outside Rome, marvelling at how this garden of hundreds of fountains could have been made so long ago.”
What led you to a career in garden design?
“I’d always been interested in art and architecture, but it was the transformation of my own rooftop space, which I knew had potential but had no idea where to start, into an actual roof terrace by the team at Clifton Nurseries that was the lightbulb moment for me.
“Watching them create a space out of absolutely nothing was truly inspirational and I wanted to explore how this could happen and how to be able to do this myself.”
What does your process for designing gardens look like? What are you inspired by?
“I have to get under the skin of a place,” she explains.
“I have to get to know the garden, the client, the house and the location really well. I’m inspired by what’s around and what might have gone before, and I don’t want it to look as if I’ve been there.
“From the very beginning, over 25 years ago now, I have insisted on a gentle intervention rather than a heavy stamp of design.”
Do you have a particular favourite memory of a garden you have designed?
“Too many!” Jo jokes.
“I love every garden space that I’ve helped to create, from tiny courtyards through to larger scale gardens. I honestly couldn’t choose – maybe my favourite garden is the next one!”
What does a typical working day in the life look like for you?
“I’m an early riser and get up at around 5.30am. As soon as it’s light, I’ll have a look out of the window to see what’s happening in the garden and if it isn’t raining, I’ll get out there for a potter with a cup of tea.
“After that, every day is different. I might be in the studio with my team, on a site visit, writing my latest book or writing my Gardening Mind newsletter, which has grown exponentially into a worldwide community.”
What’s next for you? Do you have any upcoming projects that you’d like to share with our readers?
“My new book is being published in 2024 and The Gardening Mind has lots of new courses on it,” shares Jo.
“I’ve got some exciting projects dotted around the UK that are starting to be built, having spent months in the planning stages, as well as several projects with architects, which is exciting.
“There’s also rather a special roof terrace in Rome, so things have kind of come full circle for me.”
Can you summarise what gardening means to you in just 3 words?
“Calm, uplifting, care.”
