I have always been creative, as well as fascinated by plants from a young age. Growing up in Yorkshire I would either be ‘helping’ in the garden (trampling round the back of the flowerbeds!), drawing pictures or making models from odds and ends.
After completing a degree in Applied Arts, I however found myself working for the NHS for a number of years. Whilst this was important and fulfilling work, it ultimately just wasn’t for me. I finally decided it was time to be creative again and get back to nature.
I undertook a diploma in garden design at Capel Manor college. At the same time I worked as a volunteer gardener at Knebworth House. I set up in business as a gardener for predominantly private domestic clients, alongside doing garden design work.
Whilst studying at Capel Manor college, I won an award for being the best student in my cohort. I assisted the college in the planting and stewarding of the worlds largest show garden at the 2019 Gamefair at Hatfield House. I am the joint winner of a competition to redesign the garden at the Girdlers Hall in London in time for their 700th anniversary in 2027 – check out my design here.
I have now just recently relocated to Kent ‘the garden of England’, where I am looking to continue my design practice.
Lucy Kemp Gardens 