IndiA
Manager
I certified in 2022 with Plumpton College in RHS Level 2, Theory and Principles of Horticulture. Previously, I studied RHS Level 2 Practical Horticulture in York, where I’m from originally.
I love gardening with The Lady Gardener Team, every day is intensely physical and pushes us all to new limits. People call me a speed warrior, and I like to work fast!
Why I love gardening: My passion for everything green-fingered evolved on my travels. I love spending my days outside with such a diverse range of gardens to work in. I am particularly interested in sustainable practices and wildlife gardens.
Favourite plant: Ferns – I love the vibrant green foliage and the prehistoric element they bring to a space.
How I take my tea!: My favourite tea is Yorkshire obviously, being a Yorkshire lass, well brewed and milky!
Ellie
Head Gardener
Growing up in rural Derbyshire, I’ve always found my peace being around and learning more about nature (especially all things fruit & veg). Then, while living in Cornwall, my interest shifted towards organic produce and sustainability.
I decided to make this interest more than a hobby and moved to Sussex to study my Level 3 Technical Diploma in Horticulture at Plumpton College, not really knowing where it would take me. Since completing the course I’ve been gardening with the team and working with a local vineyard and farm. It’s been a really heartening time meeting so many knowledgeable and likeminded people! I hope to combine my learning and run my own market garden one day.
Why I love gardening: There’s new fascinations and challenges every day to feed my curiosity. I love the work we do as The Lady Gardener Team- the long term observation and care of all the wonderful and diverse spaces we get to enjoy and work on around Sussex, getting them growing in harmony and looking their absolute best.
My favourite plant: Pinus Radiata, the Monterey pine, especially on the coastline where they’re shaped by the wind, but in the garden I’m always pleased to see a veg patch, intertwined herb beds, and, in the summer, tomato plants (the best smelling thing in existence).
How I take my tea: However it turns up, and I don’t turn down a coffee either.
Elise
Garden Designer and Gardener
After finishing university with a degree in Graphic Design I realised I wasn’t cut out for sitting at a desk all day. Instead, I needed to combine my creative skills with my love for the outdoors, so I decided to transition to garden design, which I studied at Plumpton College for two years gaining a diploma at both level 2 and level 3. My design for ‘gardening in a changing climate’ came top at the Ardingly South of England Show in West Sussex in 2019.
Since then I’ve assisted with Julia’s award-winning garden at Chelsea Flower Show in 2021, and I’ve taken on the role of being The Lady Gardener Team's “In-House Designer”. With designs ranging from whole gardens to simple spruce-ups, I work with our clients to make the space they have the most beautiful and functional for their lifestyle, whether that’s a small city garden or multiple acres in the countryside.
Why I love gardening: I always find myself in awe of nature. No matter how big or small a space, if you allow plants to flourish there, you have the ability to create, tame and nurture a haven for yourself and an abundance of other forms of life.
Favourite plant: Japanese anemone (Eriocapitella hupehensis), Icelandic poppy (Papaver nudicaule), Crocosmia and the humble apple tree (Malus domestica).
How I take my tea! : Milk no sugar please.
Lois
Van Driver and Gardener
I used to work as a mechanic, and for many years I wanted a career change but was unsure what to do. I often found myself looking at the blue sky wishing I was outside. It was only due to having spent two years living on a farm, being with the animals and working on the grounds there that I realised gardening could be a career change for me. Having grown up around my Dad's allotment, having to shuck the peas before Sunday roast, and personally creating my own home garden from scratch, I decided some years ago that I was qualified to pursue this endeavour. I qualified at Brinsbury College with RHS level 2 in practical horticulture, and have loved it ever since.
Why I love gardening: I find peace in nature, watching how it all intertwines and listening to the birds. It's such a joy to create and transform people's places for them to enjoy. I think life is so fast-paced these days, we all need somewhere of our own that we can sit and enjoy.
Favourite plant: Oakleaf hydrangea (hydrangea quercifolia) - ooh the big blooms andleafy autumn colours. Griselinia littoralis...those glossy greenleaves, and colour galore....cosmos, zinnia, alstroemeria.......
How I take my tea! : Herbal tea please :o)
RosY
Gardener
My love of gardening and green-fingered skills came about when I moved into a flat with the most gorgeous but over-run and neglected garden.
I spent the next five years nurturing and developing the garden, with brilliant results. I grew giant courgettes, I introduced a wild flower garden, re-created lawns, brought back to life many flowers and plants that were waning and of course added many more.
This was a fascinating learning experience for me, and jump started my gardening career.
Why I love gardening: I love the sense of achievement, watching something blossom that you’ve taken care of. Planting bulbs and waiting for them to grow, the first shoots and the first rose buds. Going out each morning and seeing what’s new. It’s fulfilling work!
Favourite plant: Daffodils for the colour and the representation that winter is over and spring has arrived. Courgettes, the huge leaves and beautiful flowers that produce such a yummy vegetable, what’s not to love?
How I Take My Tea! : Strong black tea please!
Ania
Gardener
My earliest memory of gardening was with my grandparents planting strawberries when I was 5 years old and impatiently waiting for them to grow. Since then I’ve taken my love for our natural world further by studying a biology degree at the University of Sussex, specialising in biodiversity conservation, ecology and rewilding.
Once I graduated I worked within sustainability sectors and volunteered for the permaculture plot at Stanmer organic. This opened my eyes to the potential of gardening to preserve our natural world- a form of conservation that anyone with a garden can carry out. I liked the idea of this inclusive form of conservation and it brought a feeling of hope in the midst of our climate crisis. I am now studying a level 3 technical extended diploma at One Garden with Plumpton college alongside working for the Lady Gardener.
I feel so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful group of women, in a space that nurtures and cultivates knowledge and understanding of gardening practices, sustainable practices and specific plant needs.
Why I love gardening: I love that all the effort you put into nurturing a garden is so evident and conspicuous at the end of the day! Knowing that your work helps a client enjoy their garden and be inspired by nature is what makes me happy. It’s a privilege to be immersed in and work around the most beautiful spaces, it brings me into a meditative state.
Favourite plant: I have to say the smoketree (Cotinus) always blows my mind, it’s such a majestic plant! Also any plant that looks vaguely like it originated from outer space like borage (which is a pollinator party zone!) and finally echinacea for its satisfying texture.
How I Take My Tea! : A little milk with no sugar please!
Ella
Gardener
I have a deep love for the living world and a passion to protect it.
I studied Planetary Health at Brunel University that looks at the intrinsic link between the health of people and the health of the planet. Completing permaculture courses rooted me in the wonderful possibilities of practically supporting and establishing ecosystems for the benefit of nature and people.
I feel very blessed to be working with some really hard grafting knowledgeable women.
Why I love gardening: I love working outside and having time with plants: They offer exciting innate insights, opportunities and a lifetime of learning.
Favourite plant: I love Irises and Aquilegias - wow the variety of different colours that the flowers of each plant come in are vibrant and beautiful.
How I Take My Tea! : With plant milk please :)
MaisiE
Administration Manager (the face behind the emails!)
I’ve been working as an administrator since graduating from University (where I met Julia!) in 2012. During the past 12 years I have interspersed admin jobs where I learnt so much about how to manage the back end of a business (and who knew I’d geek out on that so much!), with periods of travel to different corners of the globe.
It was while I was away in Australia that my love for plants and the land was ignited and I started learning how to garden. Initially I started working with Julia as a gardener, which I absolutely loved- getting to be outdoors everyday, experience the seasons and bring new life to clients’ gardens. Soon we got talking and Julia unearthed my other passion for organisation and I started to take on some of the ‘behind the scenes’ work for The Lady Gardener Team which I also love, and which definitely keeps me busy!
Since having a baby I have transitioned to more of the organisational side of things but I’m looking forward to getting back out in the garden eventually.
Favourite plant: Chuck me in a field of wild meadow flowers and I couldn’t be happier.
How I Take My Tea! : I drink decaf black coffee but since I work from home you don’t have to worry about that!
JuliA B
Director
The Lady Gardener Team business was born in February 2018, upon moving back to the UK from Peru. While abroad I spent 6 years co-teaching organic gardening and permaculture to university students, but my background in horticulture and land-based skills started long before that (probably thanks to my Grandparents!). In 2021 I was delighted to win my first Chelsea Flower Show award for designing and installing a garden in collaboration with the sculptor Steven Myburgh.
From a humble start of gardening alone on my bicycle, to now coordinating a large team of amazing, mainly female gardeners, it’s been quite a journey. I feel lucky to be leading a team of some of the most incredible strong women, who have plenty of passion for and expertise in gardening. Every day presents new gardening adventures, and we love overcoming them as a team.
Why I love gardening: Watching seeds grow is like watching a miracle in action. I believe growing organic food and saving seeds is a way to bring community together, to take care of our bodies, and on a grander scale, to heal the earth’s imbalances.
Favourite plant: Sunflowers, ferns, and romanesco broccoli: All because of the fibonacci sequence!
How I take my tea!: In the morning, strong coffee or tea with a dash of (oat) milk! In the afternoon, herbal teas or decaf is appreciated 🙂
