Rebecca Gregson
I am the Head Gardener at Cragside National Trust in Northumberland. I also deliver garden consultation, design packages, written articles, talks and workshops under my personal brand Sanctuary Gardens.
I first trained in Psychology at the University of Glasgow and went on to work within mental health settings, later contributing to wellbeing-focused projects in education and the arts. During those years, I became increasingly aware of how deeply our environments shape the way we feel.
My path into horticulture began while volunteering in Newcastle’s city parks. What started as curiosity about plants, wildlife and seasonal change quickly grew into something much deeper. I realised that tending and observing living landscapes offered a kind of grounded attention that felt both practical and meaningful.
I retrained as a horticulturist, gaining my RHS Level 2 at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Level 3 through Plumpton College. I then spent five years working for the National Trust across the Derwent, Wear and Coast portfolio, caring for a range of gardens and historic landscapes, finally working in my current role as Head Gardener at Cragside. My experience has also taken me to other National Trust properties, Great Dixter, Chelsea Flower Show, and into specialist propagation work within plant nurseries such as Kevock Garden Plants.
Through Sanctuary Gardens, I now bring together psychology, plant knowledge and thoughtful design. I create plant-rich, ecologically sensitive outdoor spaces that feel calm, personal and easy to live with, and help people to feel more connected with the seasonal rhythms of nature.
I believe a garden should not only look beautiful, it should invoke spirit and feeling.
What to expect
Working together, I can shape your garden into a space that feels calm, welcoming and truly yours; somewhere you want to spend time, not something that feels overwhelming or unfinished.
My approach is thoughtful and collaborative. I take time to understand not only your space, but how you live within it – your routines, your energy, your preferences, and what you hope your garden might offer you.
You can expect:
Careful listening
I won’t impose a signature “look.” Each garden begins with conversation, observation and sensitivity to context.
Honest, knowledgeable guidance
I’ll draw on my horticultural experience to help you make confident decisions, suggesting plants and materials that are suited to your space, lifestyle and level of maintenance.
Clarity and structure
Design can feel overwhelming. I break the process into manageable steps, so you always know what’s happening and why.
Respect for your pace and budget
Beautiful gardens don’t need to be rushed. We’ll work in a way that feels realistic and sustainable for you.
Ecological awareness
Wherever possible, I prioritise planting that supports wildlife, soil health and seasonal resilience.
My role is not to take over your garden, but to guide and shape it with you, creating a space that feels grounded, personal and easy to live with.