Annie Guilfoyle
Annie is a West Sussex-based garden designer running a studio and teaching at West Dean, Great Dixter, and Chanticleer. She co-directs Garden Masterclass Ltd with Noel Kingsbury, lectures internationally, and writes for leading gardening magazines.
Annie Guilfoyle grew up amidst the natural beauty yet isolation of Exmoor, shaping her adventurous spirit and early passion for horses. As a child, she trained to become a riding instructor—but after a couple of years, her drive to explore the world led her abroad as a nanny to Canada and eventually to Italy, where she fell deeply in love with its culture, language, people, and landscapes.
Her roots in gardening were always present—her father a keen gardener—and while living in London, she created planter gardens in her lightwell that earned her a Westminster in Bloom award. This led her to study horticulture at Capel Manor College, later attaining a BA Honours in Garden Design from Middlesex University—the first UK university to offer such a degree.
Annie quickly transitioned from student to lecturer at Middlesex University after winning a competition to design a garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show during her first year. She then served as Director of Garden Design at KLC School of Design for 18 years, shaping award-winning talent.
Her consultancy—Creative Landscapes—is based in West Sussex and delivers a range of garden projects, from contemporary city gardens to rural landscapes. She is a Chelsea Flower Show Silver Medal winner.
Annie currently serves as Garden Course Consultant at West Dean College, where she develops curriculum. She also teaches at Great Dixter “The Art and Craft of Garden Design”and delivers lectures internationally in locations like the USA, Italy, Poland, Kiev, Copenhagen, and more.
Together with writer Noel Kingsbury, Annie co-founded Garden Masterclass—a series of inspiring workshops and webinars designed to connect gardeners and designers with leading
She is a regular judge for several prestigious garden shows: the Society of Garden Designers awards, RHS Chelsea, Copenhagen Garden Show, Orticolario (Lake Como), Tatton Park, and even international shows like Moscow and Philadelphia. She’s also contributed regular columns and series for Gardens Illustrated and the Society of Garden Designers.
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