This talk explores both the rewarding highlights and the less glamorous realities of the profession of garden design.
There is the creative joy: meeting clients, interpreting their ideas and dreams, and transforming blank or neglected spaces into beautiful, functional gardens. From sketching initial concepts to selecting plants, materials, and layouts, every project offers a new opportunity to blend artistry with practical knowledge. Watching a design slowly come to life—and eventually flourish through the seasons—is one of the most satisfying aspects of the work.
But garden design is not without its challenges. It often involves long days outdoors in all kinds of weather—cold, rain, mud, and sometimes intense heat. There are logistical hurdles, tight deadlines, unexpected site issues, and the patience required to wait months or even years to see a garden fully mature. Despite these ups and downs, the profession offers a unique sense of achievement.
Mhairi Clutson originally trained as an Interior Designer at the Glasgow College of Building and Printing and enjoyed a career as a designer working in architecture practices in London & Australia for 15 years.
She decided to re-train as a Garden Designer and has now been designing commercial & residential projects for over 25 years. She and Simon moved to Andalucia in the summer of 2016 as it was always their dream to create a true Mediterranean, drought resistant garden in Southern Spain. They are now designing gardens for clients here in Andalucia, whilst welcoming international visitors, students and other designers who are excited about what they are doing and would like to learn from their experience.
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