Interviews
Landscape Designer Freddie Strickland: Approaching Garden Design As An Artform
Freddie Strickland stands out in the world of garden and landscape design as a young go-getter with an ethos grounded in creativity, sustainability and originality. Awarded the RHS Young Designer of the Year in 2021, this London-native turned Cornish coast artist and designer intertwines his love for the outdoors with a deep commitment to environmental consciousness in his designs. Now based in Bristol and working as Lead Designer on projects nationally and internationally at Balston Agius, Freddie continues to craft award-winning designs, earning him recognition as one of the industry’s brightest rising stars. Note that imagery in this guide is provided with permission by Freddie Strickland. What Are Your Earliest Memories Of Gardening? “My earliest memories of gardening are helping my grandmother in her house in London,” shares Freddie. “She discovered gardening in her fifties – so when I was a toddler, I helped her and in return I earnt some pocket money doing some monotonous jobs like tidying ivy off the walls and cleaning up leaf litter. “It was a fun and adventurous start to gardening and I learnt then that gardening is a great way to spend time with people you love. From a young age I knew that gardening and people are very interconnected. “Since my grandmother died, my mother has taken over the reins and I now garden with her.” How Did This Then Lead To A Career In Garden Design? “One of my biggest frustrations in life is that a career in horticulture wasn’t apparent to me from a young age; I only discovered it in my early 20s. “The first time I became aware of garden design was when I had the opportunity to have my own garden in my early 20s. I felt a little bit like the dots all connected and I realised you could be creative in a garden – it was just a different type of canvas. “It was a bit of a whirlwind from that point onwards and still is! Nothing else in my life has ever been more clear to me when I figured out that this was what I wanted to do, so I went to the Eden Project in Cornwall to study Garden and Landscape Design.” How Did Your Background In Fine Art Contribute To Your Career In Garden And Landscape Design? “It’s been very helpful,” he says. “The course took me away from the idea of thinking solely about paint on paper and it encouraged me to think imaginatively about landscapes, and see garden design as an art form. “You see artists who use land as their canvas, so it was very obvious that a career in garden design was an extension of this and the creative element that I was missing in my life.” How Do You Approach A New Project? “It really is people-based,” Freddie explains. “I love to meet clients and get to the bottom of why they want to change their gardens. There will be a point where I leave and it’s down to the clients to enjoy their space, so it’s important for me to get to understand them and what they want from their gardens, no matter how big or small. “I believe that home is a sanctuary and that the garden is an important extension of the home. It’s also a great way to connect people to nature, so I start projects by really getting to know the people that will occupy it so that the new design can truly meet their needs.” How Did Winning The RHS Young Designer Of The Year 2021 Impact Your Career? “Enormously. I now work for Balston Agius, having worked on a wide variety of exciting personal projects (all of which are pictured) before joining the team here. Winning the competition gave me great opportunities and gave clients more reassurance that they were employing someone who had been recognised at some kind of level. “It was also a really great opportunity because I met some wonderful people in the industry, giving me connections to a world that before I was slightly on the outside of.” Looking Back At Your Career So Far, Is There A Particular Project That You Are Most Proud Of? “The obvious one was winning the RHS Young Designer of the Year award,” he continues. “That was a lovely point of recognition for all of our hard work, including the many others that worked on the project and sponsors of the garden too. Since this award, I’ve enjoyed working on a wide variety of gardens, big and small. “One garden that is developing well in only its first year is a personal project of mine in Dorset. Working with brilliant clients, we developed a 450m² planting area and introduced strong colour combinations over different seasons. “It was a freeing moment for me as a designer as I had the opportunity to really go for it! I’m really happy with how that garden is turning out.” How Do You See The Future Of Garden And Landscape Design Evolving? “Our gardens are already having to adapt, and some plants are proving more resilient to these changes than others. We are seeing a softer approach to garden design; making more space for green, and less space for grey! “New gardens need to thrive in these problematic conditions, but with this challenge comes opportunity.” What’s Next For You? “It’s head-down time more than anything,” Freddie says. “It’s about getting great projects under my belt and trying to make a difference, creating worthwhile gardens that are new and exciting. “It’s all about working with people, connections to nature and igniting joy from horticulture. I really want to look back on the gardens I’ve done and feel proud of them and the purpose they have served to both people and wildlife.”
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David Keegan Talks BBC Two's Garden School And The Impact On His Career
David Keegan is an acclaimed garden and landscape designer with over 20 years of experience, known for his award-winning projects across the UK and internationally. Having featured in the BBC Two programme Garden School in 2005, Keegan has since garnered numerous accolades, including awards from International Landscape Design and the Northern Design Award for Best Landscape Designer. Currently, he is actively working on various projects in Manchester, Cheshire and across the Northwest of England. Please note that all imagery featured in this guide is provided with permission by David Keegan. Watch David’s full interview with Mollie Brown on YouTube or read the transcript below. can you explain a little bit about what first drew you to a career in garden design? “I never actually made a conscious decision to become a garden designer,” David shares. “I had actually moved to Manchester to study furniture restoration of all things. In my previous career, I was a professional photographer, so I had quite a strong visual sense anyway. “Whilst I was in Manchester studying, I created a garden, and people started wanting to come in and see the garden, so from there, I was asked to do more. It was an entirely organic process. “I used to subscribe to Gardeners’ World and there was an ad in the magazine for a TV programme that was coming up. I decided to make an application. There were 2,500 applications for it and I made it through!” How did your appearance in that program, Garden School, change and influence your career? “I think at the time I wasn’t really aware of the impact that it would have,” he says. “That show had a viewership of 2.5 million people, so when the program started to air, I found myself on trains with people kind of staring at me. And I’m thinking, ‘why is that person staring at me?’ And then you think, ‘oh yeah, you’re on TV’, so that’s the strange side of it! “The brilliant side of it was the opportunity to spend six months with the RHS in Wisley. We were exposed to some of the best and most creative minds in gardening, as well as garden design. There was also an opportunity to travel abroad and see some of the kind of fantastic, particularly Italianate gardens in Italy. “The other thing following on from that is the credibility it gives you and the confidence because you’ve actually made it through that process and you’ve been successful. It gives you the confidence to believe that you actually have the ability to become a designer or to actually pursue it as a career.” how do you approach designing a garden or landscape for a client? “The first thing I do with every project is arrange a site visit – to have a consultation with potential clients and look at what’s there and then talk through the possibilities with them. “Once I’m commissioned, it’s a very detailed process. Firstly, I create an electronic mood book and we have a consultation with the client where we try to gain a greater insight into what they like and what they’re going to respond to. “From that, we go to concept designs and we use very strong visual imagery. We have videos of what the designed garden would potentially look like and that’s really helpful because you’ll find that most people that are commissioning a garden designer are doing so because they really can’t get a sense of how they want that space to look. “Finally, we go to final designs, which obviously would be the full landscape and planting plans of that project.” Can you explain a time where you faced a challenge while working on a project and how it then turned out? “I think one of the biggest challenges was during the pandemic because I had started work on a design of a very large project in Cheshire East,” explains David. “We had a schedule for the installation of the planting, and we had around £40,000 worth of plants that were delivered, but then we went into lockdown and it was impossible to build the garden and install the planting until the rest of the build had been finished. “The real challenge there was actually keeping all of those plants in good condition and alive and we hit a three-month stretch of nonstop sunshine – you couldn’t couldn’t make it up if you wanted to! It was all hands on deck with regard to watering. “The clients were absolutely wonderful. They literally spent hours and hours, taking care of all these plants with the result that at the end, we actually lost very few plants when it came around to planting.” Do you have a particular favourite project that you’ve worked on? “I guess the honest answer to that would be the one that I’m working on at the moment!” he jokes. “It completely varies on what I’m doing as and when. There was a little tropical oasis garden that we finished the installation on about a month ago and that will most likely be a favourite and remain so because it was very plant-heavy. “We’re also currently working on a sensory garden for Rochdale Council at Hollingsworth Lake and that’s definitely going to be a long-term favourite because it’s a very different approach due to the fact it’s a public garden. “I’m really looking forward to watching that establish over the next few years and also watching how people actually react to it.” How do you see the future of landscape and garden design kind of evolving in the next few years? “I think it’s gonna be very challenging, as there’s no predictability anymore. All of the things that we’re being told are literally going out the window year on year. “There’s also a real skills shortage in landscaping and I think that really comes down to the media. I think we probably need more media exposure on programs that look at the process of designing and building gardens. “The public face of landscaping and gardening hasn’t really caught up with the reality on the ground, which is a very different kind of world, and they don’t seem to represent each other at the moment.” with all of that in mind, what advice would you give to budding garden and landscape designers? “Go and visit as many gardens as possible,” suggests David. “The RHS Gardens are a wonderful place to actually immerse yourself. I think one of my favourites would be Wisley. It’s a wonderful garden because it has so many different styles of planting in it. “I would also suggest to anybody who wants to become a garden designer to go out and get a job with a landscaping firm. I actually started out building my own gardens and I think that was a great experience. “Get a job with a landscaping firm and learn the basics. Start with building gardens and then with planting gardens and then maybe go and do a course in garden design or do an RHS course. “You can’t learn the practicalities of design sitting at a computer. You’ll only learn them by actually taking part in that process.” Do you have any upcoming projects that you’re looking forward to and would like to share? “One of my favourite types of projects to be asked to be involved in are slopes,” he shares. “I don’t know why, but I have this thing that if there is a slope in a garden, that’s it – I’m in! I received an inquiry about four months ago from a couple who were considering buying a house on the basis of the garden. “They booked me to do a consultation and said that if I thought we could do something with this plot, they would buy the house. I’ve never been asked to help people make a decision on buying a house before, so I went out and looked at the project and talked it through with them. “It has views that actually go down onto a lake, so I talked through the potential of it and told them what we could actually do with that space and on the basis of that they bought the house. We’re just waiting for the surveys to be completed and then I will start work on the designs on that. “I think that the main thing is I’m always looking for new challenges, whether that be climatic or the topography of the site that’s involved.”
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Landscape Designer Xa Tollemache And Helmingham Hall: 'A Garden Well Placed'
In the sphere of horticulture in the UK, perhaps few names resonate as strongly as Landscape and Garden Designer, Xa Tollemache. Xa published her own book, ‘A Garden Well Placed’, exploring the celebrated family gardens at Helmingham Hall, which she has been nurturing for almost 50 years. Xa has also served on the RHS Council for 10 years where she was a member of the Herbaceous Plant Committee, and now has the opportunity to share her extensive experience as a show garden judge of exhibitor entries at RHS Flower Shows. We explore her remarkable achievements and profound influence in the world of horticulture. Can you describe your earliest memories or experiences with gardening? “Going around the garden with my mother,” says Xa. “She constantly tried to enthuse me without success!” Can you walk us through your typical design process from initial client consultation to project completion? “First of all, I go to the site and talk to the client away from the garden about their ideas and wishes. Then, I walk around the space with the client, and finally, I walk around it on my own. I take photos and note down things that I would change or remove in the garden.” You’re actively involved with the RHS, serving on The Herbaceous Perennial Committee, judging at RHS shows, and being on the prestigious Council of the RHS. How has this association shaped your career? “I enjoyed being on the Herbaceous Committee for many years and got to know so many amazing gardeners, which led me to judging,” she explains. “I really enjoy this and understand the pressures that the exhibitors are under, having done three main show gardens myself. Getting to know many of the nurseries is also a wonderful experience. “Being voted onto the council was extremely prestigious and I was so honoured to serve on it for 10 years. I met the most amazing people and we oversaw a huge investment in the society.” Can you tell us more about your role as Garden Advisor to Hyde Hall and the concept behind The Global Growth Garden? “Before joining the council, I became a Garden Adviser at Hyde Hall. “I was commissioned to do a new vegetable garden there and decided to do a world garden, growing herbs and vegetables from all over the world to show people the vegetables that people eat in Asia, South America, North America and Europe.” How do you incorporate sustainability principles in your garden designs? “I look around the sites and use existing materials when I see them,” she shares. “I consider if I can use wood, stone, slate, flint or any other material and what use it could have. The natural landscape is always incorporated into my designs, and where there is water, I see if it is possible to use a borehole. “All of my designs include plenty of grass areas and pollinating plants.” How do you handle unexpected issues or obstacles that arise during a project? “I go away and think about it, come to a conclusion and then communicate with the client or contractor and ask for expert and professional advice,” Xa explains. Looking back at your illustrious career, what projects or achievements are you most proud of? “The project I’m probably most proud of is creating Helmingham Gardens. “Having said that, I also love any of my designed gardens that the clients get passionate about too, especially if they weren’t keen in the first place! “Getting a Gold Medal for a garden at the Chelsea Flower Show is also quite high up there.” What are your future plans? “I am designing a range of garden furniture that I want to expand and promote,” shares Xa. “And, as always, I’m continuing to design and make beautiful gardens.”
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Designer Peter Reader On Retaining Elements Of A Garden: 'Never Write Off Existing Plants'
Initially working full-time as a GP for twelve years, Peter Reader found his true calling in Garden Design when he made the change of career in 2011. Being a passionate gardener and seeing garden design as a career become a possibility, Peter decided to pursue his passion at the respected KLC School of Design, graduating with Distinction. He soon hit the ground running, receiving RHS Silver Gilt Medals for show gardens at RHS Hampton Court in 2013 and 2014, including the People’s Choice Award in 2013. He has since worked as an independent Garden Designer, crafting an assortment of garden styles suited to each client, ranging from naturalistic to formal planting. Please note that imagery featured in this interview was provided with permission by Peter Reader. What Is Your Earliest Memory Of Gardening Or Horticulture? “I was fascinated by the garden as a young child,” Peter begins. “I loved seeing the plants come to life in spring and my Dad had a good-sized vegetable patch, which I found very exciting. “As a result, he made a small veg patch for me, where I planted easy-to-grow crops like lettuce and radish, as well as a couple of rhubarb plants. They were great because they grew so quickly, producing fantastic leaves.” Can You Discuss Your Transition From A Full-Time GP To Garden Design? What Motivated This Change? “When I was a child, I was very interested in doing something in the horticultural field, but there wasn’t really a career path I could follow when I was 18,” he explains. “My parents both worked for the NHS and being a doctor seemed like a rewarding job, so I pursued that. As I was working as a GP, I saw how garden design was taking off and I realised that it was something I wanted to do. “The more time went on, my internal drive to switch to a career in garden design got stronger. Fortunately, my wife was very supportive, so I resigned from practice and took a year out to retrain.” How Did Your Previous Careers Prepare You For Your Current Role As A Garden Designer? “There are a surprising number of similarities between the two roles. As a GP, you listen and talk to people to understand what their problems are, and to help them understand – supporting them through the process. “Taking a garden design brief, coming up with a design and presenting that to the clients are key roles in garden design and so communication is key to both jobs. Similarly supporting them through the build and implementation phase is a key skill, so there were a lot of really useful transferable skills. “I’m a sole trader now, and GPs in my day were mostly self-employed so that definitely prepared me for running my own design business. It also gave me a strong ethic of professionalism in my new role and I knew how important proper training was. “Even though I already knew a lot about plants and gardens, getting additional training in design, construction and a much wider breadth of plant knowledge was vital.” What Inspires You Creatively When Designing Gardens? “Nature is a big thing for me,” says Peter. “Nature’s colours and balance are so brilliant and the structure, form and shape that plants take also inspires me. I draw a lot of inspiration from that and want to mirror the peace and ambience that nature provides in my designs. “The other part of the jigsaw for me, is the essence of the space. The garden has to feel comfortable in its location. Of course, the client also has to be happy, although this often includes challenging them as well! It’s about tying all of this together.” How Do You Approach The Unique Challenges And Opportunities Presented By Different Types Of Spaces, Such As Small Urban Gardens Versus Larger Rural Landscapes? “You’re often presented with a blank canvas or a complete mess which can be challenging. One of the first challenges is to identify the space and consider the client’s budget, but this is where the essence of the space is very helpful. “It guides you and allows you to place the client’s wishes in the context of that, so spaces, whether small or large, urban or rural, guide you in how to proceed. “It’s also important to lay down some parameters with the client in initial meetings. Some of this relates to the budget, but also to the limitations of what plants can deliver, as some clients have a very poor understanding of how plants grow and live. “An almost universal challenge is delivering a green garden that has something interesting in it for the whole year, particularly in a small space where every plant is on display all year. I am sure we have all had clients who want plants that stay the same size and are green and flower all year! “Touching on this, most clients want a low-maintenance garden, although for many that means no maintenance, which is impossible. The challenge here is selecting the right type of plants for the right place and thinking about how they will change with time and the seasons.” Do You Have Any Particular Favourite Memories Of A Garden You Have Designed? “There was quite a small garden in Hampstead that was previously laid with AstroTurf and the fences and decking were rotting,” he shares. “The clients were updating the garden as much out of necessity as desire. It was one of my first gardens, so it was really exciting to have a team of people come in and fulfil my design. “This particular garden, when it was finished, was loved by the clients and they have taken up gardening since. For a couple of years after it was finished, they would send me images of the flowers coming through. That was very rewarding.” How Do You Address Environmental Considerations And Local Ecology In Your Garden Designs? “In a number of ways. The first is thinking really carefully about the plants. We have longer spells of hot, dry weather now with global warming, especially in spring and summer, so you have to choose the plants that can cope with that. “However, we still have wet, cold winters, so there’s a tricky balance you have to find. Never write off existing plants either, retaining what is already flourishing in a garden is a vital skill. “Secondly, for me, the soil is such a key component of any garden. If you keep the soil well and treat it as a living environment, then well-chosen plants will flourish. “The last thing is to think very carefully about the hardscape, its green footprint and how it impacts the wider space through issues such as managing drainage and retaining water within the garden.” Are There Any Particular Projects Or Collaborations You Are Looking Forward To? “The most challenging collaboration is working with nature as an equal partner and developing innovative approaches to delivering new gardens,” says Peter. “This includes innovative approaches that drive sustainable futures and increase biodiversity as well as reduce carbon emissions. “I recently wrote an article about how show gardens are still trapped in a traditional mindset of old-fashioned gardening, which can be damaging and not very environmentally friendly. “In many ways, garden design is leading the way in terms of greening things, but there is still a lot being done that is negative. Sometimes I feel I am doing good by increasing the amount of diverse planting and habitats in a garden, and other times I feel the opposite as a new patio has just been laid. “The article I wrote was a challenge to gaarden shows and the gardens that are promoted at them. Equally importantly though, it also challenged how they are currently judged and the criteria used. “Organisers of shows do emphasise that all the gardens should be relocated after use which is great, but the judging criteria seem to still be focused on being aspirational in more mainstream design ways, and often on being ‘neat and tidy’. “So, I think moving forward, I would like to be challenging people’s ideas around thinking about gardens and what they are for. We need to take our principles about choosing the right plants for the right places and run with it through the whole gardenscape.”
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Landscape Architect Anca Panait's Tips To Stay Inspired And Keep Your Ideas Fresh
Anca Panait is a Landscape Architect with a diverse portfolio that includes educational, residential and public projects. She was a Finalist for the Royal Horticultural Society’s Young Designer of the Year Award in 2017 and has since showcased her work at a number of prominent flower shows. Leading her own studio, Anca Panait Studio, Anca offers design services in the UK and abroad. She is also currently the Head of Studio at Bowles & Wyer. Please note that the imagery in this interview has been provided with permission by Tim Howell and Daniel Hopkinson. What is your earliest memory of gardening & how did this lead to a career in design? “My early years were spent in the countryside,” Anca begins. “I was raised by my grandparents until the age of 5 because my parents had to work, so I would spend most of the time in nature or in their garden. I was fortunate because I was able to learn about growing and nurturing the land, which probably unconsciously led to me choosing a career in landscape and garden design. “I remember loving the fresh taste of ripened tomatoes and eagerly awaiting the corn on the cob season. My grandparents from both sides were self-sufficient so we would never buy vegetables, meat or eggs. Image credit: Daniel Hopkinson “I initially trained to be an architect but didn’t pass my entry exam and the only opportunity to potentially become an architect was by choosing to start as a landscape and urban designer. “This was the first time I heard about this career and while it started from a failure, I came to fall in love with it after my first year and decided to carry on. In a way, I like to think it was destiny. “As a person and a professional, you evolve over time and your preferences change. I always thought that after graduating I would end up working on large master-planning projects, but I discovered I enjoy the variety this profession offers. “Currently, the projects range not only in type but also in scale, from small urban gardens to rooftop terraces, countryside gardens or residential developments, in the UK and abroad.” What inspired you to establish Anca Panait Studio? “I’ve always been a competitive person and wanted to test my limits and learn,” she shares. “Throughout university and during the first years of work, I would be involved in 2-3 competitions which started opening doors after I won a couple. Slowly, this started turning into collaborations with other designers and a mix of projects spread around the UK, which gave me the courage to start on my own.” Can you share a project or piece of work from Anca Panait Studio that you’re particularly proud of? “The studio is focused on special projects, research and teaching. I’m very selective with the work I do and I like to experiment. I still do competitions which keeps my creative juices flowing. “One of the projects I was involved with a couple of years ago was a community garden in Scotland for refugees. It was for a mental health support charity for black and minority ethnic women and girls aged 12–25 that have fled their homes because of various types of abuse. Image credit: Daniel Hopkinson “We transformed what once was an empty car park into a place that gave them the opportunity to grow vegetables and plants that remind them of home and also gave them a space to meet and socialise. “It was a project done with RHS funding where we had to be creative with materials, but the result was life-transforming as it improved their lives and self-esteem. It is now a garden that they enjoy spending time in.” How do you stay inspired and keep your ideas fresh? “I draw inspiration from personal travels, books and exhibitions,” she shares. “Sometimes it can be from day-to-day things like walks or conversations with people. Whenever I start a new design, some of the first ideas come from the feel of the place and walking the space. “Also, hand sketching is how I first test and visualise some of the first concepts. I don’t think there is an exact recipe. It varies from project to project.” What is your favourite thing about your job, and what is the part you find the most difficult? “The early design stages when preparing the concept is probably my favourite part of the job because it gives me the chance to be creative and research,” explains Anca. Image credit: Daniel Hopkinson “At the other end is a client who doesn’t share the same vision about the possibilities of what a garden can be and wants a low-maintenance garden which doesn’t exist. “I do think there are times when is best to part ways to avoid frustration and disappointment on both sides.” describe your relationship with horticulture in just 3 words… “Evolving, patience and rewarding.” Are there any upcoming projects that you are particularly excited about? “We are working on a masterplan project in Hampstead for a mixed residential development that is landscape-led and focused on sustainability and engaging the residents with nature by taking ownership of the green spaces,” she shares. “The project range is very wide from small urban gardens, large country estate, roof terraces to public realm and landscape design as part of residential or hospital developments which keeps things interesting and fresh.”
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Zia Allaway Interview: 'People Often Think Gardening Is More Complicated Than It Really Is'
Zia Allaway is a Horticultural Author and Writer with over 25 years of experience in publishing. As a qualified Horticulturist, Zia has co-authored notable books like ‘How to Grow Practically Everything’, ‘The Complete Gardener’s Manual’ and ‘What Plant Where’ – which were published in collaboration with Dorling Kindersley and The Royal Horticultural Society. Her expertise extends to writing for newspapers, garden journals and blogs, covering a wide range of topics in horticulture and garden design. I spoke with Zia to discover what kickstarted her interest in gardening, how she has witnessed the evolution of the publishing industry and some of her upcoming writing. Please note that imagery in this article has been provided with permission by Zia Allaway. what initially sparked your interest in horticulture and how Did you pursue this interest professionally? “My great uncle and mum were both keen and brilliant gardeners, so it was always in my DNA,” starts Zia. “I worked on a variety of customer magazines when I left university and became Editorial Director of a small but successful publishing house. After I bought my first flat with its small patch of garden and started planting it up, I was hooked and thought it would be great to make my hobby into a career. “So, I signed up for the RHS General Certificate as it was known then and dragged my husband, a professional photographer, around to people’s gardens looking for garden features that we could shoot for magazines. “This resulted in us working for a range of gardening and women’s magazines – then I was on my way!” How have your interests and focus within horticulture and publishing evolved since the early days of your career? “I started my gardening journey writing mainly about design and was lucky enough to get a job at Dorling Kindersley, editing their gardening titles, which included on a number of design books with Diarmuid Gavin and the RHS. That further increased my knowledge and understanding of the subject. “I have also worked on many ‘how to’ books for DK, the RHS and Frances Lincoln over the years, and love learning about new horticultural techniques and plants. “More recently, I’ve written about soil science and ecology, exploring the ways plants and horticulture can help to mitigate the negative effects of pollution and climate change. “I discovered a huge amount when writing my book Eco-Gardening in the DK Grow series, which was a fascinating learning experience.” With over 25 years of experience in the publishing world, how have you seen the industry evolve, especially in the realm of gardening and horticulture? “The number of people working in publishing has declined enormously as budgets have been cut and magazines have sadly closed,” shares Zia. “I made the decision when my children were young to go freelance and, in a way, this has helped me, because I’ve always juggled a number of clients and managed to keep afloat. “Budgets are very tight, though, and you have to work hard to make a living. It’s tough and perhaps not really sustainable for young people coming into garden journalism.” As a qualified horticulturist, what are some common misconceptions or challenges you’ve encountered among beginners in your workshops, and how do you address them? “People often think gardening is more complicated than it really is and getting a seed to germinate will be beyond them, whereas in many cases, those seeds are just primed to grow with very little effort from us. “Another misconception is that a low-maintenance garden means a large patio with pots of plants, skinny borders and a lawn, all of which are actually high maintenance. “Explaining that a border of site-appropriate shrubs and perennials is probably the easiest way to manage a garden is a revelation to many people. My own garden is stuffed full of plants and has no lawn, and people think it must be really time-consuming to maintain but, in fact, it’s the opposite.” What inspires you in your garden writing or horticultural practice? “A love of the natural world, the beauty of plants and a desire to communicate the joys of gardening and the way it can improve our lives,” she explains. What is your favourite thing about your job? “I love creating things and always have done, so writing and editing books, choosing gorgeous images, and seeing the end result in a bookshop or in a magazine rack is pure joy.” What are some of the upcoming projects or publications you are excited about? “My book, the RHS Garden Almanac 2024, which I wrote with Guy Barter, is a lovely title and includes all kinds of interesting facts about plant folklore and wildlife, as well as practical tips on what to do when,” Zia says. “I am currently working on the 2025 edition, too. I also have a book coming out in the spring, ‘Shade Garden’, which will be my sixth in the Grow series for DK. “I’m not sure what I will be doing next year, but it is always an adventure, whether I am writing or editing books, or putting together features.” Lastly, as someone with a wealth of knowledge and experience, what advice would you give to aspiring horticulturists and garden writers? “Just go for it. Find a subject that you think will inspire readers and taps into the zeitgeist and someone will probably be interested in running it. Images are key too, so working with a photographer can help you get a foot in the door. “Magazines are always on the lookout for a package of beautiful pictures and an interesting story, especially those taken off-season from late autumn to early spring, which are more difficult to find.”
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Chris Harrington's Signature Outdoor Living Rooms – ‘Rooms Without Roofs’
With 20 years in the landscape industry, Chris Harrington has seamlessly merged contemporary living with Mother Nature through his design company, Harrington Porter. Specialising in creating signature outdoor living rooms – ‘rooms without roofs’ – Chris has transformed urban spaces into lush, green retreats in the heart of the city. From maintaining London gardens to establishing a design studio in Fulham and earning recognition from the Society of Garden Designers in 2016, his journey has drawn on a blend of expertise and artistic design. Join us as Chris shares insight into his learnings and design practices. Please note that imagery in this interview was provided with permission by Chris Harrington. What motivated you to establish Harrington Porter, and what were the initial hurdles in setting up your own practice? “I came from an artistic background and studied Art at school and college,” shares Chris. “I started a degree in Design which I didn’t end up completing because of the challenges with finding employment in the design arena – I didn’t really know where illustration would be able to take me. “In addition to that, I had always worked on building sites through my teenage years and into university. Then, when I realised that pursuing an academic qualification in design would be a waste for me, I started a career in building. “I began building for a Garden Designer and did all the practical work. Very quickly after that, I started my own business because it became apparent that landscaping was a wonderful combination of the manual labour I was already doing and the design aspects I loved. “It was also great for me due to the client-facing part of the job as well as the variety the position allows for day-to-day. I was and still am passionate about what we were trying to sell and found that it all happened really quickly. I felt like I was really lucky, especially after leaving my degree the way I did.” How has your approach to garden design evolved over your 20-year career? “Experience counts for everything,” he says. “That’s the number one thing, especially with the building side of things. When I first got into it, there wasn’t this huge source of information out there like we have nowadays with the internet. “All of that information was in people’s heads. The gardening industry wasn’t that big and we certainly didn’t have connections with each other as we do today. I was sort of on my own. “My approach has evolved with all of the information that has gradually become mainstream. I’m now the product of everything around me now!” What Are Some Of The Unique Challenges And Opportunities Presented By Designing City Gardens, And How Do You Navigate Them? “There are all of the logistical problems that London has, which include parking, access through people’s houses, where to put skips, issues with neighbours and boundary heights. “I’ve learnt to just communicate with everyone through experience to mitigate those things. London offers lots of opportunities, as there are lots of clients and houses. Word of mouth is great there, which perpetuates more work.” What Are Some Common Mistakes That Novice Gardeners Make And How Can They Avoid Them? “If I think back to when I first started designing, I sometimes would get overwhelmed by the amount of choice out there,” Chris admits. “The tip is to try not to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information when starting out. The reason that I don’t find it hard anymore is just because instinctively I feel like I know what works best now because of my experience the materials. “For a novice, there has to be an understanding that you can’t do everything in a garden. You have to choose a handful of ideas that you like and stay away from cramming everything in. Good design is simplicity and you can see that everywhere you look.” What steps would you recommend for someone looking to turn their passion for gardening into a career in garden design? “You’ve got to think about what bit of it you want to be doing,” he recommends. “As I said, I felt quite fortunate that all of it just sort of happened for me and I ended up doing what I loved. It’s about trying to hone in on what part you like. “It’s understanding specifically what roles are out there and trying to get experience of that. The number one thing is practical experience. That has been the biggest aid for me in my career.” How do you foresee the future of garden design, particularly in urban settings, and how are you adapting to these anticipated trends? “Where does it go next is the big question. I clocked the focus on lifestyle about 15 years ago with the outdoor kitchens, fire pits and dining areas rising to prominence, which is exactly where city design has gone. “We tailored our design practices to this and enhanced it with beautiful planting. That box has been ticked, but there is definitely an increasing return to planting, as there is a general feel that we have a responsibility to maintain gardens and not turn to pouring concrete everywhere. “We want our spaces to be green, which feels vital in the city.” What’s next for you? “The next thing for me is to focus on what it means to do a truly great design,” shares Chris. “We’ve done so many amazing gardens, but I want to be involved in some really cool projects, so that means finding the right clients with a good budget, which also means evolving my marketing strategy. “The competition is pretty strong these days, but we’ve carved ourselves a really strong spot within the industry and we’re working on some really exciting projects at the moment. More great projects and continuous evolvement – that’s the plan!”
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Claire Greenslade's Journey As The Head Gardener At The Historic Hestercombe Gardens
Embarking on a journey from textile design to becoming the Head Gardener at Hestercombe, Claire Greenslade has woven a career from her passions for design, history and nature. Her path, which meandered through various artistic and managerial roles, was profoundly shaped by an unexpected foray into organic gardening. Now at Hestercombe, she not only oversees the lush, historic gardens but also contributes to the growth and evolution of the Hestercombe Gardens Trust. We explore Claire’s multifaceted career and her current role at Hestercombe. Please note that imagery in this guide was provided with permission by Claire Greenslade. Can you share a bit about your background and how you first started gardening? “I have a degree in fashion and textiles and after university, I worked freelance as a Screen Printer,” Claire begins. “The industry turned to CAD and I knew I didn’t want to sit at a computer, so I covered a friend’s maternity and took her role designing and making stained glass windows. “After, I thought I would go back to college and get an adult teaching certificate so that I could teach and make stained glass. Whilst registering at the college, I was distracted by a course on the same day in organic gardening. “I had been thinking of taking on an allotment to grow plants to dye fabric, so I signed up to both courses. “I had no idea that horticulture was a career choice before then. I volunteered at Barley Wood Walled Garden just outside Bristol and was hooked. I was lucky enough to then start a 3-year Apprenticeship with the National Trust.” What led you to your current position at Hestercombe? “After my National Trust Careership, I worked at Garden Organic, which was a brilliant training ground,” she continues. “I started employment at Hestercombe as a Gardener within the formal gardens and then progressed to Head Gardener over time.” Can you describe your day-to-day responsibilities and roles at Hestercombe? “It’s extremely varied. I would say that 60-70% of my time is spent carrying out practical tasks in the gardens with the team, which is made up of 6 gardeners, 1 student and 30 volunteers. “I am part of the senior management team, so some of my time is spent on the strategic side looking at fundraising, engagement, education and budgeting. I also carry out tours and talks and write articles for the newsletter, blogs and social media outlets. “We have a contemporary gallery and I love working with the Creative Director, the exhibiting artists, as well as the artists in residence. Some of my work is playing detective as I often find myself with a magnifying glass and an old photo in the archives trying to figure out what a plant variety might be!” What are some of the projects you’ve worked on at Hestercombe that you’re particularly proud of? “Every year in the Edwardian garden I choose a border or two and look at what is needed to bring it back in line with Jekyll’s plan, which is a great opportunity to really look at how Jekyll designs,” shares Claire. “We have been developing an area called Rook Wood by adding trees for autumn colour and a Robinson-esque woodland border. “During my time here, we have completed 4 new buildings in the landscape garden and it has been lovely to be part of furnishing that.” What are some of the biggest challenges you face in maintaining the gardens at Hestercombe? “A lot of the challenges are financial,” Claire admits. “As a small independent charity, the piggy bank can be small. My team manages to achieve an awful lot with quite limited resources. We manage 120 acres, so there is an awful lot of plate spinning. “If we had more money, I would love to increase the team and invest more into the gardens. Staffing can be tricky. There are very few young people coming into the industry, so it is really hard to find the right people. “Climate change will have a massive effect on Hestercombe and we are already dealing with some issues there. The great cascade in the landscape garden is a natural water course and with our dry springs and summers, it is often not running fully due to a lack of water. “We also find that we have to do a lot more repair work to paths due to deluges of rain. Then, there is ash dieback, which will be an ongoing project. “We try to see all the challenges as opportunities. It makes you really review what you are doing and makes you keen to think differently to find the solutions.” What changes have the gardens at Hestercombe made to align with the changes in climate and how we view sustainability? “We are extremely lucky that Gertrude Jekyll liked Mediterranean plants! That has really helped during our super-hot summers. “In the Edwardian garden, we tend to only water when essential, such as when plants first go in or show signs of stress. We mulch every year with our own homemade compost to help trap moisture. “The Victorian terrace is a thirsty bedding scheme and we have begun to adapt the design to use more succulents and some perennials so that there is less watering. We are currently looking at various ways that we can utilise and store water more efficiently. “We aren’t organic, but we have massively reduced any spraying and will only spot-spray pernicious weeds. “In the old days in October, the garden would have been deadheaded entirely. We no longer do this, as we like to see the seed heads and have some winter structure so some of the job in October is managing the aesthetic of this.” What’s one piece of gardening advice you would give to every beginner? “Get as much experience as you can,” Claire recommends. “Read the books, do the courses but then learn to use your initiative and learn from your mistakes. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as it really is the best way to learn.” How do you envision the future of Hestercombe, and what role do you see yourself playing in it? “Hestercombe’s history stems from gardens designed by artists and we love this link between art and landscape,” she says. “Working with artists within the landscape and listening to their thoughts and views from a different perspective, really helps us to challenge our perceptions of the garden. “We are a historic garden but I am keen to look forward as well as back. We need to stay relevant, and be resilient and sustainable. “Personally, I see my role as quite varied. I need to preserve the history but also engage visitors in the future. I would like to increase Hestercombe’s work within our garden and art communities, as well as support our local community.” What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in your field? “I would look to do a paid practical apprenticeship and to learn as much on the job from as many different gardeners as you can, and then cement this knowledge with some theory.” What’s next for you? Are there any exciting projects coming up that you’d like to share? “I am looking forward to developing our shrubbery further,” says Claire. “It is based on William Robinson, so the planting can be quite naturalistic and wildlife-friendly. It is a part of the garden that doesn’t have an original planting plan so it’s an area I can have a little freedom and fun with.”
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Capturing The Subtle Beauty Of Gardens With Decorated Photographer Jason Ingram
Jason Ingram is a celebrated Photographer with an ability for capturing the subtle beauty of gardens, plants and culinary delights. A graduate of Salisbury College of Art and a GMG multi-award winner, Jason has carved a niche in intertwining his photographic passion with the enchanting world of nature. From magazines and books to working with international garden designers, his lens reveals a unique perspective that has garnered acclaim and captivated audiences globally. In this interview, Jason discusses his entry into garden photography, his most rewarding projects and his upcoming book. Please note that the imagery in this article is provided courtesy of Jason Ingram. Can you share a little about your journey into garden photography and what inspired you to follow this path? “I studied photography at Salisbury College of Art and I finished in 1992,” shares Jason. “I took the usual route into photography by assisting other photographers who were mainly working in the world of advertising. Photography was quite different then because we were all shooting in film, which was an incredibly different and longer process than it is now! “Whilst I was working as an assistant, my real passion was always towards what I initially thought to be landscape photography. On all of my projects, I’d constantly take myself out of the studio and push myself to be in the landscape. “On one of my first jobs as an independent photographer, I was commissioned to do the photography for some postcards. Whilst doing these, I realised that being in nature was the thing that I really wanted to do as far as my photography was concerned. “I started out working as an Agency Photographer for the National Trust. I then began to share my work with all the big publications. From there, I’ve been very lucky and most of my work is now done by commission and around 80% of it is in gardens, which I love.” What does a day in the life in the day as a garden photographer look like for you? “If I’m working for a magazine, the shoot will usually be based in a beautiful garden, which I will then travel to,” he explains. “Depending on the time of year, I can be in the garden from about 4am for around 2-3 hours before the light gets worse. I like to arrive the day before where possible, so I can examine the garden and maybe do some shots in the evening. “The reality is, by the time it hits 9am in the summer, there is nothing I can do due to the light. For other shoots, I might be in a studio shooting all day, or working on-site with gardeners or nurseries where I have to deal with whatever weather it is on the day! “When the season gets particularly crazy, I have been known to shoot a garden in the morning, then a studio shoot from 9am to 5pm, followed by a final evening shoot.” What has been one of the most rewarding projects you have worked on so far? “I would say that the projects that I really like to work on tend to be books,” Jason muses. “Like any photographer, it’s always lovely to see your work in print. The other thing with a book is that it is a body of work that you will have worked really hard on. “One project that has been pretty memorable was a book that I did with Hauser & Wirth, based in Somerset, and Piet Oudolf, which was a great project, as he was commissioned to set out a garden at their gallery and I was given access to the garden from when it was first planted. “This meant that I had a full year where I was shooting every plant in the garden every month. “Another one I’m particularly proud of is a book I did with Swedish Designer Ulf Nordfjell, who I met after the Chelsea Flower Show in 2013 when I was commissioned to shoot his garden in North Sweden. We worked on a book together for 5 years that came out this year, which we shot mainly in Scandinavia.” What’s Your Favourite Thing About The Work That You Do? “My favourite thing about the work that I do is the variety of it. Although I’m a garden photographer, there’s a huge amount within that which I do. “I travel, meet wonderful people and get to see a range of exciting things going on in the industry. I’m really lucky that I’ve got such great connections within the gardening world, as I get to be involved in some brilliant things. “I always feel like I’m exploring and learning new things, which is another plus. Quite often, I will be the first person to see something new, which is really exciting.” Are There Any Upcoming Projects You Are Particularly Excited About? “There are so many!” he laughs. “I’ve just launched an online photography course with Create Academy, an online learning platform, which we filmed in 2022. They do such a beautiful job of creating these masterclasses. When we were discussing what we should do, I really wanted them to follow me in a garden at 4am, which they did! It’s beautifully shot and covers a range of gardens and also features some indoor shoots from my studio in Bristol. “I’m also writing a book on garden photography, which I am currently in the process of. It’s set to come out in September 2024. It is completely new for me, as even though I’ve photographed over 50 books, I’ve never written one – it’s very exciting.” Do You Have Any Advice For Aspiring Garden Photographers? “Photography itself is a hugely changing industry, so my advice for anyone going into it is to really read the market,” says Jason. “Before you start as a garden photographer, It’s so important to look at everyone else’s work to see what’s out there and the quality of work that others are achieving. “Garden photography is all about light, like any form of photography. Never do anything without the best light. Everything you do has to fit into a certain format, so you have to get good at working with composition too.”
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