Beautiful gardens don’t just happen, they’re designed with care, creativity and a touch of good humour.
Hello, I’m Rose Alexander, and I believe everyone deserves a beautiful, functional outdoor space, whether it’s a sprawling lawn or a tiny courtyard.
I started Rose Alexander Garden Design because I wanted to make thoughtful garden design more approachable. So many people love their gardens but don’t know where to start, or assume that hiring a designer is out of reach. I’m here to change that.
I combine a love of plants with a practical, no-nonsense approach to design. My goal is always to create spaces that feel good to be in, not just on the day they’re finished, but for years to come.
I bring professional design training, horticultural knowledge, and years of hands-on gardening experience to every project.
From selecting plants that thrive in your soil to creating layouts that make the most of every inch, I balance creativity with practicality, so your garden not only looks beautiful but works beautifully too.
My Passion
What I love about garden design is that it is both creative and scientific. I love learning about the biology of plants and soil as it gives me the knowledge I need to achieve the best results for you.
I delight in the organisation and strategy that has to go into gardening; the excitement of creating a plan and then watching it bloom into life as the seasons change.
Peace and fulfilment are easy to find being in the garden, in the flow of doing the work and observing the simple beauty of growth and change. I hope you find this, too.
Knowledge
I make sure that my knowledge is as up-to-date as possible by reading widely around the subject of horticulture; watching horticulture content online; gardening programmes and listening to horticulture podcasts.
I maintain my enthusiasm for design by visiting historic gardens and local open garden events through the National Garden Scheme.
David Austin Rose Border at Trentham Gardens
On the rope bridge at the Lost Gardens of Heligan
The iconic glasshouse at Kew from the treetop walk
Qualifications
To formalise my horticultural training, I have completed the Level 2 RHS Diploma which covers a wide range of gardening skills and techniques. The diploma consists of eight written exams and a year-long practical course. I am currently studying for a Post Graduate Diploma in Garden Design. I also have a degree in education and worked as a primary teacher for 20 years.
This part of the theory course covered: * Garden Planning * Garden Maintenance * Outdoor Production of Vegetables and Fruit * Growing in Protected Environments (Pass is the highest grade)
This part of the theory course covered: * Understanding Plant Propagation * Maintaining Plant Health * Plant Nutrition and the Root Environment * Plant Classification, Structure and Function (Pass is the highest grade)
I studied at Derby College at the Broomfield Campus for this qualification. It included: * Plant Identification * Plant Establishment including site preparation and selection * Plant Propagation including cuttings, division and seed sowing * Plant Care including weed and pest control, mulching and fertilising * Plant Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Perennials * Garden Features and Maintenance * Grassed Areas including sowing, mowing, maintenance and repair * Soil Testing * Planting and Staking Trees * Establishment and Maintenance of Hedges (Distinction is the highest grade)
This diploma is the result of my two theory units and practical course combined. (Pass is the highest grade here)
Before becoming a garden designer, I was a teacher for 21 years and completed four years of training with Leadership Edge learning how to coach adults in the workplace, obtaining my “Master Coach” qualification. The method I learnt is PURE coaching - Personal, Unconditional, Relevant and Empowering. It’s a method that is very client-centred.
I am currently working on a Postgraduate Diploma in Garden Design with the British Academy of Garden Design.