It has been a huge summer, with some great designers further enhancing their already burgeoning reputations. So exactly who were the stars of the summer that you should be on the lookout for at future RHS shows?

There have been some incredibly inventive, warm-hearted and thought-provoking garden designs and there are bright futures across the board.

Featuring a former 30 Under 30 winner, blooming latecomers and fresh newcomers, these are our five picks for who to keep an eye on.

Ula Maria

It’s already been a huge year for the London-based architect, who’s first show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show won Best in Show.

The Muscular Dystrophy UK – Forest Bathing Garden aimed to showcase what it is like for those with the devastating condition, while providing a space for them to discuss their experiences away from the clinical environment.

The designer has long been picking up steam, winning a gold medal at Tatton Park back in 2017, and is not to be missed.

Michael Lote

A late entrant into the designing scene, but not one without experience, Lote started his business some 17 years ago and has contributed to numerous RHS medal-winning gardens.

The focus of his work has shifted to showcasing what can be achieved with sustainable construction methods and products. He picked up a gold medal for his ‘It Doesn’t Have to Cost the Earth’ design at the Malvern Spring Festival this year, having won Best Construction Award in previous years.

One to watch out for, as he continues to transfer his experience into design and with a perennially-relevant focus. We spoke to him earlier this year for a bigger insight ahead of his Malvern success.

Helen Olney

Helen Olney’s award-winning garden design

A recent graduate of the London College of Garden Design, Olney has not wasted a moment. She picked up a gold and Best Sanctuary Garden at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show with her Burma Skincare Initiative Spirit of Partnership Garden.

Balancing this with her role as creative director at BBC Sounds, she began her designing journey only four years ago so her next move should be an exciting one.

Giulio Giorgi

Giorgi made waves earlier this year with his superb Gold medal winning World Child Cancer Nurturing Garden, which aimed to bring joy, hope and escapism to children undergoing cancer treatment. It won the inaugural RHS Environmental Innovation Award for its green approach.

He has practiced design since 2007 and has a studio in Paris, and has spent numerous years in organic agricultural research.

His focus is on the future in terms of ecology and planting strategies, and given his work so far, it’ll be a bright one.

Ashleigh Aylett

Ashleigh Aylett

One of the winners of last year’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation, Aylett should be a familiar face. She did not have to wait long for another success, winning a trio of awards at Tatton, picking up Best Construction for a Young Designer, RHS Young Designer of the Year, and a Gold medal.

She has been working with Erlam Studio and John Davies Landscape since her 30 Under 30 victory last year and is currently based in Bedfordshire.

Her trajectory so far is a very exciting one and shows no signs of stopping and we caught up with her back at the end of June.