Winner of RHS Chelsea Flower Show Balcony Garden Competition: Ashleigh Aylett Announced

Garden Designer Ashleigh Aylett Embraces a Wild, Relaxed Planting Palette

Ashleigh Aylett, a renowned garden designer, values hands-on training and learning from seasoned gardeners. She finds joy in placing aromatic plants near seating areas, creating a sensory experience for those who enjoy her gardens.

Aylett's earliest gardening memory dates back to her childhood, where she would run wild through local woods, collecting things from the forest floor. This early connection with nature has shaped her approach to gardening, favouring a wild, relaxed planting palette.

In the face of the rising challenge of invasive pests and diseases brought in by imported plants, Aylett recommends sourcing plants from small, local nurseries in the UK. This practice not only helps the plants thrive but also reduces biosecurity risks.

The scent of tomato vines in a sunny greenhouse is Aylett's favourite, a testament to her love for fragrance. She believes that fragrance can be a simple yet powerful way to make a space memorable.

Aylett's design philosophy emphasises the importance of letting foliage do the heavy lifting in a planting design. Every element in her designs serves a purpose, as she views design as a form of storytelling.

Two gardens have significantly influenced Aylett's work: the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakesh and the Garden of Ninfa in Italy. The former, with its vibrant colours and exotic plants, has inspired her to experiment with bold choices, while the latter beautifully exemplifies composed planting layered over historical ruins.

Aylett's work has been inspired by landscape architects such as Michel Desvigne and Beth Chatto. The latter showed her that aesthetics and ecology are inseparable, a philosophy that Aylett incorporates into her designs.

Last year, Aylett worked with the Woodland Trust on a show garden to highlight the issue of invasive pests and diseases. She is a strong advocate for sustainability in gardening practices and emphasises the importance of being more sustainable.

For more information about Ashleigh Aylett and her work, visit ashleighaylett.co.uk.

Winner of RHS Chelsea Flower Show Balcony Garden Competition: Ashleigh Aylett Announced