We’re excited to introduce some fresh faces to our garden design team.
All our designers bring a unique perspective and a shared passion for transforming outdoor spaces.
In this Q&A, they share their thoughts on what inspires their designs, their approach to creating modern, plant-led gardens and what excites them about joining our team.
Today, we’re talking to Junior Designer Georgina Turton.
What’s your background in garden design?
I have always had an interest in art and gained an interest in gardening from my grandma, with whom I spent a lot of time helping in her garden. Following my A level in art, I was unsure which career to pursue and decided to take a year out. During this year, I volunteered in the Calke Abbey gardens for the National Trust. This spurred me to want to work with plants, so combining my love for art with garden design seemed the perfect fit.
I then studied for an FdSc in Horticulture and Garden Design at Nottingham Trent University, where I recently graduated as the top student in my course. With garden design, I love how you can bring ideas into reality and the reward of seeing your work in person once it is complete.
Can you share a memorable moment from your garden design career?
Probably finding out I got the top mark on my course at university. Our course was last up to get their awards and for each other course, there was a top student announced. The students didn’t look shocked each time, so I assumed they had been told until I went up. I think I must have been the only one to react because I was not expecting it.
How did you come to be working with Lush Garden Design?
When I first became interested in garden design, I emailed many local designers and contacted Anna at Lush. She invited me to spend an afternoon in the office and see what it’s all about. I was studying at sixth form then, and this afternoon led to paid planting jobs with the team. I stayed in contact during my uni course and got advice from Lush on projects I was working on.
As I was nearing the end of my course, Lush was hiring for a junior designer, so I went for it and was successful. I am very grateful to have a job in my chosen career straight out of uni and am excited for the rest of my journey.
What’s your favourite plant and why?
Multi-stem silver birch – I love the dappled shade it creates and how it looks when it’s lit up. The bright white trunks always set off other planting, too.
Tell us about your dream garden – what must it have?
Having recently bought my first home, I am very excited to get started and have already come up with design ideas for the space. In my dream garden, I would have a large greenhouse with space to grow many plants and experiment with different vegetables. I’d also like water and lots of comfy seating. Lots of trees, too.
What’s your favourite garden you’ve ever visited?
Trebah Gardens in Cornwall on the Helford River. The garden leads you down the hill to a rocky beach on the river, where you can look back and see the garden. They have a fun maze and stunning trees.
If you could design a garden for any famous person (past or present), who would it be, and what would it look like?
Elton John, because I think he would have lots of fun ideas. I would design a sunglasses-shaped swimming pool and different sections of the garden to match his various songs.
What’s your favourite part about being a garden designer?
Being creative every day and designing new spaces to improve people’s lives.
What’s your go-to gardening tip for beginners?
Don’t be afraid to experiment. It might go wrong, but that’s how you learn.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not designing gardens?
I enjoy climbing. I do the sport of bouldering with my brother and my dad, and I have been doing it for five years now. I have also been illustrating a children’s book in my spare time.