“I have proven to myself that if you set your mind to it. You can do it.”
Gina Mellard 69.5k Instagram followers and 17.4k Tik Tokkers
Following a dream
There is a huge community of garden lovers who are already aware of Georgina Mellard. In fact, between Instagram and TikTok, @Ginas_flower_garden has almost 90 thousand followers. But what you may not know is that she is also a graduate of the British Academy of Garden Design.
Running a popular social media platform is a full-time job for many but for someone like Gina, it is only part of her story. She is also maintaining a part-time finance job and still found the time to pursue her studies in Garden Design.
Clearly a person who operates at a high velocity, Gina is also capable of allowing space to listen to her heart and follow her passion. Her garden always brought her great joy but the time had come to make a choice.
“As I got more serious about making garden content, I discovered how much I loved designing my own garden. I wanted to be able to make more educated content while also opening my options to be a professional Garden Designer when my children get older.”
And a busy life calls for flexibility, and reliability. Gina does not have time to waste and needed to know she was making the best choice for her needs.
“I researched courses online. I read a lot of testimonials and looked through the Academy’s Social media. I found others within my gardening community on Instagram who had also done the course! We chatted about it and I heard lots of positive feedback. I liked that I would be able to do it in my own time- as my life is very busy. I chose the certificate as I felt this would give me all the skills I would need. I like that I can build on this in the future if I wanted to.”
The Business of Growing
While Garden Design and running a popular social media account is both a business and a responsibility, spending time in the garden also has benefits outside of the professional realm. People talk about the sense of wellbeing they feel as they get their hands down and dirty in the earth. And for Gina, it is no different.
“I have always loved flowers. I just never knew how to actually start a garden. I stumbled upon the online gardening community and the rest was history! When I first moved into my current property, I had baby twins and a toddler! So gardening was a way for me to get outside- take some time for myself. It was like therapy. I started digging out borders, planting roses, growing every single flower I could. I particularly love the process of growing a flower garden that you can cut from. So, studying Garden Design has given me the inspiration & knowledge I need to put everything into practice.”
The art of Garden Design involves certain skill sets that at first may seem daunting, but in the end, they are the tools by which all ideas filter through. It is these skills that elevate hobbyists to professionals and can truly open up a world of design.
“The most challenging part for me was the practical side of things. I am a creative person but often struggle to put my ideas into practise."
Taking measurements and creating drawings terrified me initially. Especially as I used my own garden for some projects and it’s the oddest shape ever! However- I loved how the course broke this down for me step by step. I was actually so proud of myself that I was able to confidently create an accurate drawing and put my garden on to paper.”
Carving your own Path
But not all Garden Design academy students or graduates have the same plan. Gina’s online presence has brought her to areas of the garden world that contribute to the field in a variety of different ways.
“I started my account a few years ago and it all grew from there! I currently work with a few brands which I absolutely love and make garden content for them. I sell seasonal seed boxes when I have the stock which is lovely. Mostly- I just love having a platform where I can inspire others, especially women- to start gardening. If one person saw my account and decided to start a garden that means everything to me, as I know how life changing it is. I would like to offer design consulting in the future too!”
Gina may have taken a slightly more unusual path to Garden Design but as applies to any career path, there comes a time when you need to elevate your knowledge. Her success online has undoubtedly boosted her exposure and her portfolio, but Gina doesn’t like to do things by halves. As her online following grew, she knew she had to enhance her garden knowledge. Not only to keep her followers engaged but also to be authentic in her knowledge and insights. And quite simply, because Gina loves everything that is garden.
“Learning the practical elements of Garden Design - sketches, mood boards, concept drawings, working plans etc. has actually been one of the most rewarding and important elements of the course for me.”
And she quickly learned how even the most technical aspects of learning Garden Design will in fact enhance the beauty of her designs.
“But without a good basic design- you will not be able to show the flowers off to their full potential.”
Learning to Grow
This education has not only enriched Gina’s skills and abilities, but she has been passing it on to her followers, allowing them to share the joy of what she has learned.
“I have been able to share much more informative content to my social media channels. Learning the principles of Garden Design has been a game changer. It has brought me more opportunities within the digital space. Now I feel like I have the proper qualifications to feel confident speaking about different aspects of Garden Design.”
But Gina is not to be mistaken for a run-of-the-mill influencer. She is a garden enthusiast first and an online presence second. One services the other, but Gina is acutely aware of the deep-rooted and profound benefits of Garden Design.
“Gardens are all about how they make you feel. It’s so lovely when it all comes together and you have that perfect balance of a beautiful, whimsy flower garden that the whole family can enjoy spending time in together.”
And there is no stopping her now. Gina has her eyes fixed on a fruitful future where she continues to pay it forward. Just like a seed produces a fragrant flower that brings people (and bees) so much joy, Gina intends to continue to blossom and grow.
“I would love to design a garden for BBC gardeners world live. Or be giving gardening consultations. I also hope my social media platform will grow significantly from the skills I’ve learned. Overall- I just hope to be inspiring others to start flower gardens! I want to create educational content that’s assessable for everyone.”
Are you ready to explore your own Creative Future?
Whether you’re looking to change careers, develop your creative skills, or turn a passion for design into something more, the Academy’s Garden Design courses are designed to help you build practical, industry-ready skills from home with personalised tutor feedback and flexible online learning.
Explore now and discover where your creativity could take you
