With the clarity of hindsight, life can be divided into stages and chapters. Often there is a typical path of school, work, love, career, home, challenges and triumphs. But life is rarely a linear affair and it’s almost impossible to predict with any real accuracy, how your path will present itself. In many ways, Lizzy Wheeler, a student of Garden Design, may at first glance seem as though her journey was on a straight road.
“In 2012, I studied the RHS practical horticulture course, as I knew then I wanted to work in horticulture, most likely in design, as this was my background.”
And the interest in gardening did not come from nowhere. Lizzy's parents are skilled gardeners and Lizzy used to love watching what they did, and how they did it. Obviously having a positive influence on her.
But it would be over a decade before Lizzy would turn to the garden as a professional endeavour. In fact, her career brought her to the art department of Television and Film where she has had many fruitful years in set design. Then in 2023, as happens on many a long road, a fork in that road presented itself. And that’s where sometimes, just sometimes, you can find your way back to where you belong.
“Three years ago, I became a mum and decided to take a hiatus from the industry to focus on pursuing a career in garden design while completing my studies.”
Depending on the line of work, many women find they are forced to make some difficult choices. The nature of TV and film involves long unsociable hours, spontaneity and basically everything that makes it difficult to maintain a career and care for a young child.
When lockdown came and production was halted, Lizzy began to tap into her inner voice, her innate passion for the garden. She had been thinking about it a long time and this seemed like an opportunity to embrace.
“I never found the right time to take the step and change career, but after I had my first child, I was faced with the decision of returning to the film & TV industry. With the relentless work hours and no support for new mums, I realised this was the best time to finally pursue a career in garden design.”
The Academy offers many options, and the online nature of the course allows for flexible hours and a manageable homelife. So, even with a young infant in tow, Lizzy could dive deep into her studies and produce some stunning designs.
“Through researching online, I discovered the British Academy of Garden design. The online Business Diploma in Garden Design appealed to me as it has a good balance between learning practical design techniques, plant science, and working in a professional context.”
And this was to be that point where Lizzy decided to get serious about her new direction. She had taken that new path and followed the road to her next chapter. Having a child is often a rebirth for the mother and a huge turning point in life. Everything was different and it was time to step into a new future.
“As well as learning the principles of garden design, I wanted to obtain the skills and qualifications needed to set up my own garden design business.”
And to learn about anything that will grow and prosper into the future, it’s vital to understand the past. A large part of Lizzy’s studies includes garden design history as well as the relationships people have had with gardens over the centuries. This coupled with an in-depth knowledge of plants and plant maintenance is a valuable combination for a designer.
“I have discovered many transferable skills between film & TV design and garden design; however, we design sets that are conclusive and short-lived but designing with plants that change and evolve through time has been the most distinctive and captivating difference.”
Her previous work in set design differs from garden design due to the multi-functional nature of an outdoor space as well as how it will age and how it will evolve. Garden design begins with drawings and plans and at first this was a challenge for Lizzy.
“This is different to film & TV, where we design sets either in 3D software or by making scale models. I found it challenging to design a plan, but after some practise I began to really enjoy it. I realised it was easier to work out journeys around the garden and, with interesting geometry, connect the garden to the property.”
Like Lizzy’s growing family, her garden design ambitions are continuing to flourish. Lizzy 1.0 was happy in her career in the media, but Lizzy 2.0 has found her new home. She is a mother to two children and has answered her calling from mother earth.
“Last year, I was a finalist in the Society of Garden Design Student Awards, which was a great opportunity to focus and gauge my skills against industry standards. I am very proud of this achievement.”
Working for other designers can help students and graduates learn more about the business of garden design in a hands-on real-world environment. Lizzy plans to continue soaking up as much knowledge as possible before eventually setting up her own design studio. And judging by the work she is producing now, there will soon be a portfolio of clients bursting at the seams.
