About Me

I am a member of the Formal Ornamental team at RHS Garden Wisley, where I am responsible for the Mixed Borders. I am a recent graduate of the RHS Wisley Diploma, and I am excited to be staying on to look after this iconic area of the garden.

I previously worked as a gardener in Edwardes Square Garden, a Grade II* listed Georgian Square in Kensington, London. Prior to that I volunteered in the gardens at Osterley, a large National Trust property in West London, while I was working and studying toward my RHS Level 2 Diploma.

Wisley Mixed Borders

Osterley in Winter

Edwardes Square in Spring

What lead me here

I love plants, gardens and gardening. It has taken the better part of 40 years to realise how much. My interest started with family. My grandmother lived with us for most of my early childhood and she showed me how to look after plants, and taught me the basics of propagating. My mother, although not a massively keen gardener, taught me the names of plants and always pointed out interesting details in plants, gardens, and in the South African landscape around us.

In my teens I became increasingly interested in design; in gardens but more prominently in architecture. Taking inspiration from books on architecture, design, and gardening I spent hours drawing plans for fantasy houses and gardens. I imagined that I would go on to study architecture after leaving school but was discouraged by advice that I might not enjoy certain aspects of the profession. I chose to study design for theatre and television instead. I worked freelance in various design roles in theatre, television, and film for several years after graduating.

I moved to the UK in 2006. I kept myself challenged and motivated with further study and personal side projects (see Past Projects) but reached a point where I knew I needed to make some changes; to find a career more aligned with the way I wanted to live my life day-to-day. I had always imagined that working with plants, and in gardens, would be satisfying and enjoyable. Having started on this journey, I cannot imagine spending my time doing anything else.