About Us

Melissa Morton

My route into garden design is somewhat unconventional! My early career as a University Teaching Fellow in Colour Science evolved after a degree in Chemistry and a PhD; opting for the sciences over art and more creative subjects at school.

After moving home and starting a family, I started a career shift by retraining: a 10 week evening class in garden design, two years of evening classes in horticulture followed by a year full time of Landscape Architecture coursework.  I discovered that designing gardens combined creative thinking with my problem solving and technical background.

Coming from a family of keen gardeners, and with my love of the outdoors, swapping the chemical lab and safety glasses for outdoor spaces and a spade was an obvious move. I loved the idea and challenge of creating beautiful gardens, in touch with nature, as well as functional with a strong aesthetic. And I still do.

(This blog about my background and pathway into garden design in more detail)

My varied pathway has led me to consider the design and use of public space, private gardens and planting schemes. It has also enlightened me to observe our natural and managed landscapes and gardens around us, which we can all enjoy. My learning always continues.