Part of the landscaping company, The Outdoor Room, for over 15 years, James Sponder helped build the Avande Intelligent Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. The director is next to sit in the hot seat for another round of quick fire questions as part of our Little Interviews series.

James Sponder
Director at The Outdoor Room
Built the Avande Intelligent Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

If you could work anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

It would have to be Australia as I have always wanted to go and love the outdoor living over there.

If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be? 

Let your dreams grow as you do. 

What would the title of your biography be? 

Landscaping Legacy.

Who would play you in a film? 

My wife would say it’s Jude Law, but growing up my friends always thought I looked like Ivan Drago from the Rocky films.

One thing that would make the industry better?

Try to work more environmentally friendly and reuse materials when possible. Also, use technological advancements such as AI. I recently used forms of AI for the Avande Intelligent Garden at RHS Chelsea which will help save plants and trees.

Who has been your biggest inspiration? 

I have been inspired by working alongside a variety of amazing people in day to day landscaping projects. I’m also inspired by the innovative creations at RHS Chelsea.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Mr Brightside by The Killers.

All time favourite film? 

American Sniper.

What is your favourite RHS garden this year?

Avande Intelligent Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show that The Outdoor Room built for Tom Massey. It was amazing to build, with some incredible craftsmanship and on top of this, I loved the plants because they tasted of beef flavoured crisps. 

Read Little Interviews in Pro Landscaper’s September issue.