By Alexandra Harper 
Lee Burkhill has become one of Britain’s most recognisable modern gardening experts, combining professional garden design with practical advice that inspires gardeners of all experience levels. Best known as the creator of Garden Ninja and a presenter on BBC One’s Garden Rescue, he has built a reputation for making garden design feel approachable, achievable and enjoyable.
Unlike many television personalities, Burkhill’s success didn’t happen overnight. Before becoming a familiar face on screen, he spent years developing his horticultural knowledge, building a successful design business and creating educational content that helped thousands of people gain confidence in their own gardens.
Today, he’s recognised not only for his television work but also for his expertise in garden design, online education and wildlife-friendly gardening. Here’s a closer look at Lee Burkhill’s career, personal journey and the story behind the Garden Ninja brand.
Who Is Lee Burkhill?
Lee Burkhill is a British garden designer, horticultural educator, television presenter, writer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of Garden Ninja, a garden design business and educational platform that offers expert advice through consultations, online courses, articles and videos.
Many viewers know him from BBC One’s Garden Rescue, where he works with homeowners to transform outdoor spaces into practical, beautiful gardens tailored to their lifestyles and budgets. His clear communication style and hands-on expertise have made him one of the programme’s most popular designers.
Based in the North West of England, Burkhill works with clients across the region while reaching a much wider audience through television and digital platforms. His combination of professional design experience and accessible teaching has helped establish him as one of the UK’s leading contemporary gardening experts.
Early Life and Passion for Gardening
Lee Burkhill’s love of gardening began long before it became his profession. He has often spoken about spending time outdoors as a child, where an early fascination with plants, flowers and vegetable growing sparked a lifelong interest in horticulture.
He has also credited his grandfather with encouraging that passion, introducing him to the rewards of growing plants and understanding the changing seasons. Those early experiences helped shape not only his gardening skills but also his appreciation for the positive impact gardens can have on wellbeing.
As a teenager, Burkhill has shared that gardening became a welcome escape during difficult periods, providing both focus and confidence. Rather than simply becoming a hobby, it developed into something that would eventually influence every stage of his career.
Although relatively little has been made public about his family life or education, it’s clear that gardening remained a constant passion long before he considered turning it into a full-time profession.
From IT Professional to Garden Designer
One of the most inspiring aspects of Lee Burkhill’s story is his career change.
Before entering the horticultural industry, he spent around 12 years working in IT and project management. While the role provided stability, it wasn’t where his true passion lay.
Determined to pursue a more fulfilling career, Burkhill retrained in horticulture, gaining professional qualifications and developing the practical skills needed to launch his own garden design business. His background in project management proved surprisingly valuable, helping him manage complex landscaping projects, client expectations and business operations.
His journey demonstrates that changing careers is possible with dedication, continuous learning and a willingness to follow a genuine passion.
Creating the Garden Ninja Brand
In 2015, Lee Burkhill officially launched Garden Ninja, a business that has since grown into one of the UK’s most recognisable independent gardening brands.
What began as a garden design company soon expanded into a trusted online resource featuring gardening guides, educational videos, design inspiration, online courses and practical advice for homeowners.
Rather than focusing solely on luxury landscapes, Garden Ninja aims to help people make the most of everyday gardens. Whether designing a small urban space, improving a new-build garden or encouraging wildlife, Burkhill’s advice focuses on realistic solutions that anyone can apply.
His engaging teaching style and practical approach quickly attracted a loyal online following, laying the foundation for his later television success.
RHS Recognition and Industry Success
Before becoming a television presenter, Lee Burkhill had already gained recognition within the horticultural industry.
A major milestone came in 2016 when he won the RHS and BBC Feel Good Gardens competition, earning national attention for his creative garden design. The award highlighted his ability to combine attractive planting with thoughtful, people-focused spaces.
He later strengthened his professional reputation through work at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, one of the world’s most prestigious gardening events. Contributing to award-winning displays helped establish Burkhill as a respected designer whose work was recognised not only by television audiences but also by fellow horticultural professionals.
These achievements marked the beginning of a career that continues to balance professional garden design with education and media work.