Based in West Sussex, Vanessa brings a creative background and a lifelong love of gardens to her work as a garden designer. With a degree in Design Management and a postgraduate qualification in Creative Advertising, she spent over 20 years as an art director and designer before retraining in garden design.
She graduated with distinction from the British Institute of Garden Design and has since focused on creating thoughtful, characterful gardens with a strong sense of place. She also volunteered at the Chelsea Flower Show, gaining hands-on experience at one of the world’s leading horticultural events.
Style and Approach
Vanessa is particularly drawn to Mediterranean, country and cottage-style gardens, with layered planting, soft structure, and plenty of texture. Her designs are informed by a strong visual sensibility, shaped by years of working in creative industries, and grounded in a respect for the natural world.
Sustainability is a key part of her ethos — she favours ethical, environmentally conscious practices and aims to create gardens that are as kind to nature as they are beautiful to live in.
Background
Her own garden has been a testing ground for ideas and inspiration. A complete redesign — documented in before and after photos — helped her refine her approach and experiment with planting combinations, structure, and flow.
Her own garden has been a testing ground for ideas and inspiration. A complete redesign — documented in before and after photos — helped her refine her approach and experiment with planting combinations, structure, and flow.
Now working across West Sussex and neighbouring areas, she collaborates with clients to shape gardens that reflect their style, suit their lifestyle, and evolve beautifully over time.
Education
British Institute of Garden Design – PgDip Creative Advertising (Distinction) | 2023 – 2025
Falmouth University – PgDip Creative Advertising (Merit) | 2005 – 2006
University of Salford – BA (Hons) Design Studies (First Class) | 2001 – 2004
Stockport College – Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Merit) | 2000 – 2001
The King's School, Macclesfield – 4 A-levels, 9 GCSEs (A and above) | 1993 – 2000
Falmouth University – PgDip Creative Advertising (Merit) | 2005 – 2006
University of Salford – BA (Hons) Design Studies (First Class) | 2001 – 2004
Stockport College – Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Merit) | 2000 – 2001
The King's School, Macclesfield – 4 A-levels, 9 GCSEs (A and above) | 1993 – 2000
