Kate Savill Explains How A Gold Medal Win At Chelsea Impacted Her Career

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Kate Savill is an accomplished garden designer known for her innovative and personal approach to creating diverse gardens, from urban sanctuaries to large family spaces.

Kate’s career highlights include a Gold Medal at the RHS Young Designer of the Year final in 2015, designing acclaimed gardens for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and working full-time with Gardeners’ World Presenter Adam Frost.

Her practice, based in Bristol since 2016, continues to produce award-winning designs, demonstrating Kate’s deep connection to nature and exceptional talent.

Please note that the imagery used in this article has been provided with permission by JMA Photography.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience that sparked your interest in garden design?

“Growing up in the 90’s, there were a lot of home makeover programmes,” begins Kate.

“However cheesy they were, I cannot deny their influence on me. I just thought it was so magical how much a space could be transformed by the application of good design (although there were many fails!).

“My interest in garden design started when I was around 11-12ish. My mum was watching the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on TV and I remember being really intrigued, thinking it was a complete spectacle of perfection and I loved the snapshots of different design styles from the show gardens.”

How did winning A Gold Medal At Chelsea impact your career and opportunities in the industry?

“I won my first Gold Medal and everything really did start from there,” she shares.

“It gave me the confidence to start out on my own, meeting and working with many people in the industry from suppliers to growers, contractors and other designers around the show, to deliver the garden.

“This first major project on a timeframe proved a massive but rewarding learning curve.”

How do you incorporate sustainability principles into your garden designs?

“I try to use plants to create structure, rather than automatically integrating heavy structural elements like pergolas or large amounts of concrete and other new raw materials.

“There’s a lot you can do with the right structural planting, to really limit how many resources you use in a garden design. I love to reuse materials and actively reduce the waste produced in creating the gardens.

“I try to use responsibly sourced natural materials and would always opt for natural products where possible, or even better reclaimed.

“Using planting that can cope with the increasing variation in temperature and rainfall helps the garden to stay looking good and I am a great supporter of gardening less and allowing the native plants (and wildlife) to creep in.

“I really try not to use any chemicals and opt for peat-free and home-grown compost.”

Can you tell us more about the challenges and rewards of designing and building gardens for Flower Shows?

“It’s always challenging to build a show garden, because there is the deadline of the show opening that you have to be ready for,” explains Kate.

“The weather in the UK can be so unpredictable, so however prepared you are, any weather extremes can take its toll on the team. It’s working as a team that is so rewarding and that’s why people come back to build show gardens year on year and that’s the bit I enjoy the most.

“It is quite miraculous what a team can achieve by working together on a garden project. It’s also a great place to experiment with new processes or ideas, which you may not have had the opportunity try in a client’s garden.”

How do you approach designing a garden in a space with significant limitations, such as small urban areas?

“Designing gardens is all about problem-solving and that’s what I enjoy the most about it,” she states.

“I love designing small spaces, because they really need to work hard to give the most back. Also, the logistics can be so much more challenging and maybe that’s why I like building show gardens so much!”

How can aspiring garden designers develop and hone their own unique style while learning from established designers?

“Naturally, you are drawn to what you like in other designers work and that then influences your style. I think it is also good to look at all art forms like architecture, paintings and even music to influence your style.

“Also, spending time in nature can really help you to see the natural form and patterns. Seeing what works well when things are left alone can inspire low-maintenance and sustainable gardens fit for the future.”

What’s next for you?

“Well, quite a big thing has happened – I’ve moved to Costa Rica!” shares Kate.

“We came for a longish visit, unsure how long it would be (escaping the British winter!) and have decided to stay on. It’s a very exciting place for any gardener or horticulturist, as there is so much biodiversity and plant life.

“It’s very elemental and lush, a total change from home. We are not sure what the future will hold, but I’m in the process of setting up here and have exciting things in the pipeline and am very much looking forward to it.”

What’s one piece of gardening advice you wish you could give to your younger self?

“Just give it a go, it’s the process of trying new things rather than the end outcome that counts – a gardener’s work is never finished.

“Also, I wish I had more confidence in what I’m doing and my ideas. It has taken a long time to realise that you can just keep going!”