Just days after being named a Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation award winner, Chloë Webster was also selected as Garden Design Student of the Year within the British Association of Landscape Associations (BALI) National Student of the Year awards 2025.
The 29-year-old has walked through a couple of career changes, currently standing still with Harry Holding Studio, acting as a garden designer. After a lengthy interview, Webster highlights the instant connection with studio owner Harry Holding.
“Harry’s very ambitious and he’s very forward thinking. I think that’s why I was drawn to his studio and why we got on so well when we first met.”
Having been part of the company since May of this year, Webster dives straight in working on the studio’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 Garden with the Eden Project. Whilst there’s not too much they could share, the garden pushes the Cornwall-based charity’s ethos surrounding regeneration.
Acting as an introductory space for young people to learn about horticulture and the environment, the studio has been meeting with community groups to encourage engagement in the run up and build of the garden.
Webster began a career in fine art after studying it at degree level. However, they quickly realized that working on their own wasn’t for them.
“I really enjoyed collaborating. And I think being an artist, specifically the way that I was doing it; it can be very lonely.”
Still remaining within the creative realm, Webster looked to a career in film and radio. “I really enjoyed the aliveness of those things and having a project that you can work towards with a team. You build, you create, and then you completely move on to the next project.” But, after a while, she realized everything she built ended up in a skip.
“I just couldn’t warrant it. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life making up for the fact that I created something sent to the bin.”
In an effort to step towards making a positive impact on the environment using a similar skillset, Webster did her research. From conversations with gardeners, garden designers and landscape architects, she figured out a path into the industry beginning with Gustafson Porter + Bowman.
After working with the landscape architecture firm, Webster strove to learn more about plants. She completed the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) level two course.
“Knowing plants, understanding plants and working with plants is really important for me. I didn’t want to start designing without that.”
Alongside her studies, Webster worked as a community gardener in Margate, which then led her to taking up the KLC School of Design course. Finishing up last December, she went on to do some research work covering sustainability and biodiversity for Turner Contemporary.
A passion for the environment and making an impact locally, Webster continues to work with local communities in Margate. She hopes to share the wonders of horticulture with growing numbers.
“I’d love to teach at some point to encourage more young people to enter the industry because I think it’s a very magical place. Meeting so many amazing, passionate people was what convinced me that garden design was the right path.”
An impressive past few months for Webster, 2026 is set to be another fully-packed year. See them at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026.
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