Katherine Crouch grew up surrounded by gardeners, as her parents, aunt and grandmother had lovely gardens. However, when she studied at the Glasgow School of Art in the 1970s, gardening as a career was not an option. So she bided her time, until she could create her own garden and then opened it to the National Garden Scheme in 1996. Three years later she was the BBC Gardener of the Year, and soon after she was in high demand with clients. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Katherine Crouch.
Image Credit: 1-5) Katherine Crouch
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I like to design a garden that looks like it had just always been there, as if no other solution could have been contemplated.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I listen to my client, then I listen again. I haven't always paid enough attention to that in the past. Then I measure EVERYTHING! and draw the site plan.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Freelance designing is pretty lonely. If you listen to too many opinions while you are designing it could riddle you with self doubt. However my good pal Stuart Hendrich, a landscape designer, is a great guy to bounce ideas off, and he makes me laugh!
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
If nothing is jumping off blank paper, I read some gardening books, look on Pinterest for a while, or go back on site and just sit quietly for a while.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I won BBC Gardener of the Year in 1999 and straight away was asked to design gardens. 4 years at art school studying product design and 30 years of gardening just came together then. Advice - develop your spatial skills and treasure your local landscapers.
