Having grown up in the nomadic life of a forces family, our gardens were only ever temporary places. Whilst I always enjoyed being outdoors, it wasn’t until I had children of my own and our first small garden, that a growing obsession with the wonders of the botanical world started to really take hold.

Wisley became a sanctuary for me to escape to with my kids, and I realised the true power of plants and green space. I always returned home with a big smile on my face, and feeling like I’d had a mini-break in a day!

So when my youngest started school, I too went back to the class room and enrolled on the RHS level 2 Diploma in Horticulture. Having always had a creative mind & been fascinated with space, shape and light, I realised that design was where my heart was actually leading me.

I come from a family of engineers, and am naturally inquisitive about what goes on below the surface on a construction site. All these things were leading me towards Garden Design – which seemed to seamlessly brings these elements together, and was something that I grew more and more passionate about.

So I set my heart on the LCGD Diploma Course, and have whole heartedly immersed myself in it over the past year. Creating gardens that I would love to spend time in. That have a flow that entices you out, to enjoy the whole space. That create an uplifting feeling of calm that goes with being in the great outdoors.

I’m really excited for the next chapter in the ever evolving world of Garden Design and horticulture and to being able to design spaces that really lift people.

Instagram – @rachel_barnard_garden_design