Gardener, grower and advocate for natural, sustainable gardens

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My Path Into Gardening

My route into horticulture hasn’t been conventional.

After working in publishing and media — including time at Vogue — I retrained professionally with the Royal Horticultural Society, gaining my RHS Level 3 qualification. Shortly after graduating, I worked at RocketGro as Head Gardener, where peat-free compost, sustainable gardening and veggies became my passion!
Formal training, combined with years of hands-on growing, has shaped the practical, grounded approach I bring to my work today.

Over the years, I’ve designed and developed gardens that prioritise:

• Sustainability
• Biodiversity
• Soil health
• Long-term resilience
• Natural, seasonal beauty

My garden designs have been awarded gold medals by Gardeners World and the Bath & West, and I regularly speak at gardening clubs, societies and community groups about wildlife gardening, sustainable growing and working in harmony with nature.

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A Natural, Wildlife-Led Approach

Much of my work centres around wildlife-friendly and peat-free gardening.

I’m passionate about:

• Creating spaces that support pollinators
• Reducing reliance on chemicals
• Encouraging healthy soil life
• Using plants that are suited to their environment
• Designing gardens that feel natural rather than overworked

Whether I’m creating a planting plan, teaching a course, or advising a client, my aim is always the same:
to help people grow gardens that are beautiful, resilient and alive.

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Teaching & Sharing Knowledge

Alongside my design work, I run courses and workshops at The CowShed, Castle Farm, where I teach practical, accessible gardening skills in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

I also speak regularly at:

• Gardening clubs
• Community groups
• Horticultural societies

My talks focus on:

• Wildlife gardening
• Sustainable growing
• Peat-free gardening
• Seasonal planting
• Building confidence in the garden

Teaching is a huge part of my work — I love helping people feel more confident, informed and connected to what they’re growing.

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Lucy Somerset Gardens

Through my Instagram account @lucy_somerset_gardens, I share:

• Seasonal gardening inspiration
• Practical growing advice
• Wildlife-friendly planting ideas
• Life in a Somerset garden
• Behind-the-scenes of real gardening

It’s a space rooted in honesty and curiosity — showing gardening as it really is: evolving, imperfect and deeply rewarding.

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My Philosophy

I believe:

• Gardening should feel grounding, not overwhelming
• Nature knows best if we learn to observe
• Good gardens take time
• Sustainability starts with small choices
• Beauty and ecology should go hand in hand

Above all, I believe gardens should bring joy — to the people who tend them and to the wildlife that share them.

Embracing the ethos of sustainability, we craft gardens that not only captivate the eye but also stand as a testament to our commitment to the environment and to the beauty of the English Countryside. Natural and native planting takes centre stage in our designs, allowing your outdoor space to thrive in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem. We understand that a well-designed garden is not only a retreat for you but also a haven for local flora and fauna.

• Sustainable Practices: We prioritise eco-friendly and sustainable garden design principles to minimise environmental impact.
• Natural and Native Planting: Our designs celebrate the beauty of local flora, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the ecological balance of your garden.
• Customer-Centric Approach: We collaborate closely with you, ensuring that the final result reflects your personality, way of living, and passions.
• Passion for Nature: Our team is driven by a deep love for the natural world, and it reflects in every garden we create and maintain.