There’s been lots afoot behind the scenes here at Crocus, and with a new growing season, brings exciting news. Designer Lucy Willcox will be joining the Crocus Team as our Resident Garden Designer. Lucy comes with over 20 years of Garden Design experience. Her signature Classic Contemporary style has been featured in numerous magazines, revered Garden Design books as well as highlighted on TV shows and in the national Press. In 2020, Lucy was awarded the Principal BALI award, many of her gardens have been shortlisted for the Society of Garden Designers Awards and Lucy is also a regular presenter on ‘Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club’ amongst other shows..
Alongside Head Gardener Ashley Edwards, Lucy is going to be taking the lead on reimagining a Crocus garden destination, as well as inspiring you with garden design and planting scheme ideas.
We caught up with Lucy to understand what informs her style and what got her into gardening in the first place.
How did you get into gardening?
My mother has always been an avid gardener, so growing up we always had a beautiful garden to enjoy. But I didn't get the gardening bug until I was in my twenties, when I had my first flat with a tiny balcony. Which I filled with lots of pots and plants, there was hardly any room for me to get out there.
And from there the obsession grew and it really came into its own when I bought my first property and the garden was 6ft high in weeds and brambles.
In the process of stripping it out and putting a garden back in I totally fell in love with gardening and designing the space.
So much so that I even decided to change my career from TV production to becoming a garden designer. That was 18 years ago and as they say … “the rest is history”.
Is there a garden style you love?
I tend to design classic contemporary gardens and every garden I design is very different as it’s a response to the brief and the site. However, they are all either end of the 'Classic Contemporary’ genre, as I like to design gardens which stand the test of time. What I love about all gardens is how they are all so individual and are an artistic impression and expression of that gardener’s take on the space. I am a big fan of all styles of gardens as there’s something you can take from all of them.
What excites you about the Crocus garden at Dorney project?
This project is like a dream come true; a wonderful team working in a beautiful space to embody a fantastic company. To be able to work with Ashley and the Crocus team, to create the concept and vision for this historic site has already been a wonderful experience and we have only really just got started. We have so many plans for the space, the transformation is going to be quite something. We are brimming with ideas and cannot wait to get started on the Masterplan to create a cohesive design for the entire site. A very exciting project indeed.
What advice do you have for someone starting a new garden?
Really take the time to understand your garden; the aspect, the soil and how the sun moves around the space. To get the most out of your garden this is a process that should not to be rushed so you can get the very best out of that space. Once you have fully understood your site, it’s only then that you should start to plant. How do you want to use that space? What style of garden? Think about where you want your seating areas, planting beds and the planting style you want to follow.
Which areas are you going to tackle first? Do you want to introduce trees or any other features?
Most importantly, just give it a go and get stuck in. Gardens are forever changing and they keep us on our toes. It’s a wonderful and organic process.
Hard question, but what’s your favourite plant to use in a garden and why?
For me it’s got to be an ornamental grass, as they bring movement and beautiful seasonal interest into garden, plus work with any planting style.
One of my favourites is Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’ as you can use it in sun and part shade.
