Hello from Ellen

Welcome to Ellen Spencer Garden Design. I'm a garden and landscape designer passionate about crafting beautiful, practical outdoor spaces tailored to a range of budgets. My goal is to solve your design challenges in the most effective way, creating gardens that not only look stunning but also meet your needs and make the most of your space.

My love for gardens began in childhood, during family visits to heritage sites such as Chatsworth, Bodnant and Stourhead, and horticultural college Capel Manor. I was captivated by the perfection of nature in harmony with human creativity, and that fascination never left me. My first work experience was at a plant nursery, where I learned the basics of horticulture and developed an enduring passion for plants.

While my initial career took me into professional services with one of the Big 4 accountancy firms, my heart remained in the garden. When my youngest daughter started school, I knew it was time to follow my deepest interest. I used those extra days to pursue formal training in horticulture at the renowned Sparsholt College, where I discovered a love for Latin plant names and honed my skills in garden planning and plant science.

I’ve earned several certifications, culminating in a Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture. I’m currently completing a postgraduate training course with the British Academy of Garden Design - all assignments completed with Distinction - refining the creative and technical skills required to transform gardens into beautiful, functional spaces.

After 15 years as a researcher and writer in creativity and learning, I channel that expertise into designing gardens to inspire and delight. I have a deep love for planting combinations — while everyone has their favourite flowers, I’m particularly drawn to the textures and contrasts of foliage.

Living in a mid-century property with an established garden, I know the value of working with what’s already there. My creativity shines when there are constraints — whether it’s a poorly situated oil tank or a window that needs shielding, I thrive on finding solutions that enhance both the garden and the home. It’s these challenges that make garden design so rewarding for me, and I can’t wait to bring that passion and expertise to your project.