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ABOUT

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About Gillian 

As Principal Garden Designer and owner of Gillian Goodson Designs, Gillian Goodson has created and worked on multiple award-winning gardens. 

​Growing up in the hot tropics of East Coast Queensland, Australia with its diverse landscapes from the Great Barrier Reef and miles upon miles of white sandy beaches, to gorges, rainforests and waterfalls, imbued Gillian with an innate appreciation for the beauty of plants and the importance of the diverse natural environment. Hence she has come to appreciate the importance of working with nature rather than against it.    

Following a career as a qualified paralegal, Gillian realised that being indoors on a long-term basis was not for her. Her love of the outdoors kept calling her. Accordingly, she returned to her childhood love of being in the garden and growing plants from seed.

 

Through studying horticulture at Brooksby Melton College in Leicestershire, Gillian found a deep reconnection, so retrained as a garden designer, graduating with Distinction in Garden Design from the world-renowned English Gardening School based at Chelsea Physic Garden, London.  

 

After being awarded the two top prizes in her graduation year: Top Garden Design Student, and Top Plant Portfolio, a London-based client chose to build one of Gillian's student design projects.  She subsequently undertook the Planting Design Diploma at London College of Garden Design based at Kew Gardens, London while running her garden design business.

Gillian is also Principal Garden and Landscape Designer, and Planting Consultant on residential, commercial and community projects for ND Landscape Architects, which handles a broad spectrum of UK and international projects, from intimate garden designs to large-scale landscape and developments. 
 

Renowned for her versatility, Gillian is as comfortable balancing on a cherry picker, wading waist deep in water at Chelsea, or dangling from a long ladder - whatever it takes to get the job done, Gillian will do it.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show

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'The Psalm 23 Garden'

Sponsor: The Bible Society,

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021

INFORMAL

Whilst serious about her work and business, Gillian has a fun-loving nature, and is known for having an informal relationship with her clients. ​

CLIENT & SITE LED

Gillian is also client-led, drawing inspiration from her clients' lives and lifestyles, which she balances impeccably with their new garden designs.

Gillian’s design was simple and stunning. Looked good on paper. Even better in reality.


The planting is a delight. Evergreens for all-year-round structure. Other shrubs for autumn colour, winter scent and spring flowering. Pollinator friendly perennials. Lovely grasses. Gillian sourced the plants. Good quality; reasonable prices.

 

We did not have a detailed planting plan on paper. Rather, Gillian had an image in her mind, then set out on site, seeing what worked best. The overall effect is superb.


We would wish particularly to praise Gillian’s high standards and communication skills. Site visits during the planning, construction and planting stages. Frequent emails and messages. Throughout, attention to detail and a marvellous enthusiasm for the task. We are both thrilled with Gillian’s work with us.


G and J, Leicestershire.

CONTACT US

Gillian Goodson Designs

Garden, Landscape and Planting Design  Edith Weston | Oakham | Rutland

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. 

After hours or weekend appointments by prior arrangement.

Call the studio on +44 (0) 7845 233933 or email gillian@gilliangoodson.co.uk

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Copyright ©2026 Gillian Goodson Garden Design

Garden design in Stamford, Market Harborough, Uppingham, Oakham, Cottesmore, Ketton, Rutland, 

Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire.

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