Meet the gardeners
The legacy of Beth Chatto: the pioneering plantswoman who changed the face of gardening
The late, pioneering plantswoman Beth Chatto convinced us to find the right plant for the right place.
Here, those who were influenced by her reflect on her lasting legacy.
The gardener who trades secateurs for stilettos to become his drag queen alter ego
Professional gardener Tom, aka the Drag Queen Gardener, cares for a private 90-acre estate in Warwickshire, but trades secateurs for stilettos to become his alter ego, Daisy Desire.
Portrait: Andrew Montgomery
The big job Nigel Slater is embarking on this year
Not typically one to act on impulse, Nigel Slater wonders if more spontaneity, and stone paving, might be in order.
Discover designer Dan Pearson’s personal slice of paradise in the English countryside
At his Somerset home, Hillside, designer Dan Pearson has worked sensitively with the open, sloping site to create a beautifully intricate garden with a true sense of place.
Biodynamic advocate Jane Scotter of Fern Verrow on working with top chef Skye Gyngell and her newest venture
The biodynamic grower on the pains and pleasures of hard work, the joys of producing culinary ‘fairy dust’ and on being part of the bigger picture.
Words: Natasha Goodfellow, Portrait: Lisa Linder
Warmer climes: this sunny new Mallorcan garden designed by Tom Stuart-Smith will have you reaching for your passport
By replacing grass lawns with a relaxed mix of resilient planting, Tom Stuart-Smith has ensured this Mediterranean garden is firmly grounded in its landscape.
Words: Errol Reuben Fernandes, Photographs: Richard Bloom
Gardeners are artists and people need to realise that’ - time to rethink what a gardener is - meet Emily Adcock
Having completed work on the Oudolf Landscape at RHS Garden Wisley, horticulturist Emily is now working on a Piet Oudolf design for a private estate in Berkshire.
Portrait: Andrew Montgomery
Ones to watch: 25 people who will make waves in horticulture this year
From up-and-comers to veterans of the industry doing something new, this is our list of ones to watch in 2025.
‘Just’ a gardener? We’re actually highly skilled creative professionals who deserve better than this
Good gardens are constantly evolving, so why, asks gardener Colin Stewart, do people place more value on their initial design than on their ongoing care?
Illustration: Rosanna Morris
Gardening mistakes: gardening celebrities reveal their worst gardening failures
Feel like you're always making mistakes in the garden? You're not alone. We asked gardening experts about their gardening failures
We need to stop the ecocide by councils, developers and big business, says this community gardener
As a community gardener at the Eden Nature Garden in Clapham, south London, former marine biologist Benny is on a mission to promote ecology within the garden world.
Portrait: Andrew Montgomery
The woman who crafts beautiful objects from fallen oak trees with her bare hands
Sculptor Alison Crowther uses centuries-old fallen oaks and other timber to create her distinctive art and furniture.
Words: Camilla Phelps, Photographs: Andrew Montgomery
Meet the landscape designer on a mission to 'beautify' cities
The award-winning landscape designer and horticulturist on her Kenyan childhood, feeling a strong connection with the land and her desire to beautify cities.
Words: Paula McWaters, Portrait: Rachel Warne
‘I didn’t harvest a single carrot. That was a sharp lesson’: Charles Dowding on his no-dig journey and how to compost well
No-dig expert, market gardener and author Charles Dowding talks about his new book, the books he reads, and what he’s up to next
Monty Don: 'We underestimate in this country how privileged we are in terms of climate, soil and general horticulture conditions'
Gardener, television presenter and author Monty Don talks about his new book, how he fell into writing and TV presenting and why UK gardeners are 'billionaires'
Alan Titchmarsh releases new festive album in musical collaboration for RHS Christmas light trails
Alan Titchmarsh has teamed up with composer Debbie Wiseman on a new album which retells the story of Jack Frost and will be played at Christmas light trails across the country
No-dig expert Charles Dowding recommends the best winter vegetables to grow
Organic vegetable grower, Charles Dowding chooses his favourite vegetables to grow in the garden or allotment in winter and offers his advice for getting the most from your crop. Photography Andrew Montgomery
From footballer to forensics to flowers: this Royal Parks manager reveals how he became a gardener
As assistant park manager at The Royal Parks, Adam is proud to support the budding gardeners who follow in his footsteps on its apprenticeship scheme. Portrait Andrew Montgomery
Rosy Hardy, the renowned plantswoman behind Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants
The plantswoman behind Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants on a childhood learning the names of wildflowers, and the art of combining plants in a real garden setting. Portrait Charlie Hopkinson
TV gardener Carol Klein on her life to date and what comes next
Gardener, television presenter and author Carol Klein talks about her new book, the books she loves, her current challenges and what she’s up to next
From the war in Ukraine to flower gardener in Hampshire – meet our latest gardening talent
A former lecturer from Ukraine, Iryna currently looks after the flower gardens at Malverleys in Hampshire.
Portrait: Andrew Montgomery
Discover our 2024 Horticultural Heroes: 22 extraordinary people making a difference in gardening
Discover the stories of the extraordinary garden champions who are making a difference to places, people, plants and the planet. Words Molly Blair, Stephanie Mahon, Veronica Peerless and Alice Tuffery, photograph Lisa Linder
Why taking the helm of the Eden Project was an offer Andy Jasper couldn't resist
The new CEO of the Eden Project on his excitement about a new chapter, the legacy he’s left at the National Trust and his joy at heading home to Cornwall.
Words: Tim Richardson, Portrait: Rachel Warne
National Trust announces new head of gardens and parks to replace Andy Jasper
Sheila Das will step into the National Trust’s most senior horticultural role.