“GARDENING QUITE
LITERALLY SAVED MY LIFE’’
LEIGH JOHNSTONE AKA ‘THE BEARDY GARDENER’
Leigh Johnstone, known as The Beardy Gardener, is an award winning garden designer, writer, and advocate for the role of gardening in supporting mental health. He rediscovered his passion for growing during the COVID-19 pandemic and now creates accessible garden spaces that encourage people of all abilities to connect with nature for their wellbeing.
Leigh works across community, education and private settings, designing gardens that prioritise social connection, calm spaces, and environmental learning.
He is active across gardening media, having appeared on BBC Gardeners’ World, BBC News, and BBC Radio, and has been featured in national and international publications including The New York Times and The Mirror and The Sun. He also shares practical gardening advice and personal insights at national events and through social media, radio and podcast appearances, helping others explore how nature can improve mental wellness.
Featured in
COMMISSIONED GARDEN
Festival Place Shopping Centre
“The Beardy Gardener’s Giving Garden at Festival Place went beyond just being a beautiful addition to the surroundings…
…It had a tangible and lasting impact on local schools and communities. By providing a learning space, the garden was part of a valuable resource for nearby schools. Students had the opportunity to learn about gardening, sustainability, and the importance of nature. The garden Leigh designed has become a hub for the community to gather. Families and individuals, who might not have had access to green spaces otherwise, can now enjoy the colourful and green environment while visiting us.”
Emily Palmer, Festival Place Shopping
CONTACT ME
If I can help design you a garden, speak at an event, deliver a communtity project or anything else, then I would love to hear from you. Reach out and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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