James Walsh

Having been brought up by a passionate green fingered gardening mother, James Walsh was always going to end up in the world of flora and fauna.

After achieving an undergraduate honours degree from Manchester University, James Walsh spent his early twenties filming wildlife programmes for the BBC in South America.

Upon returning to London, it was a natural process for James to move into the world of gardens.  He went back to study and complete the RHS General Certificate in Horticulture as well as accredited courses in Garden Design and Planting Design at Capel Manor College, a recognised centre of Vocational Excellence in Horticulture, Landscaping and Garden Design.

James has a deep seated passion for plants and draws his inspiration from nature. For him, gardens have always held a special place in his imagination.

“Budding with colour, texture and form, they become ever-changing living sculptures, within which one can hide, play, relax and dream. In terms of design, I love the juxtaposition of formal and informal settings where loose perennial planting stands out against a strong architectural layout.”

Designing gardens in London has forced James to employ visual tricks to make spaces appear bigger, such as the subtle use of lighting or the deceptive placing of reflective mirrors in dark unforgiving corners of the garden. The sculptural forms and textures of plants add to the drama.

“I am fascinated by the limitations of urban spaces and yet the huge demands we place upon them. Such a lack of space forces creativity. And for me a garden’s function is as important as its aesthetic look, so designing a small urban plot throws up many challenges…”

James has always been very concerned about the environment. With this in mind and with more mouths to feed, (he now has 3 children), James has decided to tackle the holy grail of sustainable gardening: the redesign of his own garden so that it is not only beautiful to look at, but it is also edible.

“If you can admire your gorgeous garden while at the same time eating it, only then are you realising its full potential and making a difference.”

“For me every garden must have an idea” – then, as Burle Marx said, it becomes a piece of art.  James’ philosophy is simple – “a garden is about your life story, your childhood memories, a cool summer breeze;  a glass of ice-cold wine, an evening meal on the terrace for friends and family …. More than anything, it is an oasis within your home where you can escape to.  I try to recapture these many moments in time.”

James now lives in Shepherd’s Bush with his wife Claire, and three children, Jessamie, Stanley and Ruby.