Image courtesy of Sammy Stringer
When Sammy (@insammysgarden_) bought her first home in 2019, she had zero gardening experience. Fast forward a few years ago, she transformed her horned garden into a cottage-style shelter filled with dahlias, fox gloves and pollinator-friendly plants, winning medals at the RHS and BBC Gardeners World Live Shows. Discover how she won awards from beginners and how her next challenge will create a 100% pink paradise at home…
How did you get involved in gardening?
Sammy’s cottage style border is in full bloom
Image courtesy of Sammy Stringer
My partner and I bought our first home in 2019. It was a corner plot with a huge garden. And I had no experience in gardening. Someone had to try it, and someone was me. I learned everything and gained knowledge from looking at the world of magazines and gardeners. That’s when the gardening obsession really began.
Now, a few years from now, I love to inspire others to get into gardening. Opening yourself to the natural world is something everyone should try, especially if you have a garden.
What inspires you in your garden?
Bees enjoying Sammy’s allium in the summer sun
Image courtesy of Sammy Stringer
I love when nature comes. I love watching bees and butterflies pollinate my homemade seeds and see birds come to my feeders and my ponds.
It is also inspired by the use of colour in the garden. I love how it brings a sense of housework while creating a calm Zen space to relax during the summer.
What is your favorite gardening style?
Evening light shines on Sammy’s flowerbed
Image courtesy of Sammy Stringer
I think my garden is planted in a cottage style. I love Fox Gloves and Delphinium, but I also love Dahlia… they’re my favorites.
My garden is full of perennials, but while I wait for them to establish, I fill in the gaps with annuals like the universe – usually grow on my own. I’m always proud to see them start to bloom.
I am also a huge fan of Hydren Japanikurata and I have some of them in my garden. I really don’t know what planting style I have. I think it’s just my style!
What are you most proud of?
BBC Gardeners World Live Garden won Sammy’s Gold
Image courtesy of Sammy Stringer
Along the way, I fell in love with a garden show. In particular, there are no qualifications for the horticultural industry, so displaying it as one for the first time was a great achievement.
In 2024, I created the RHS longborder for the RHS Tatton Flower Show and won the silver. Then, in 2025, I designed a showcase garden for BBC Gardeners ‘World Live. There he was awarded gold.
I am also very proud of my garden. It has become a perfect space for fun with family and friends in the summer. I’m extremely proud of what it looks like so far.
Tell us about your future plans
Sammy’s layered planting style creates a lush cottage garden look
Image courtesy of Sammy Stringer
Both of my show gardens were completely pink and I would like to replicate something similar at home. I aim to turn my planting almost completely pink – that’s my goal! That way, when people ask if my garden looks like my show garden, I can finally say yes.
I also want to create another show garden, continue to grow my pink trademark and continue to inspire others. It’s my real passion to encourage people to take part in gardening. That’s why I started an Instagram account. It’s such a great platform and I’ve met so many wonderful people online on my gardening journey.
What are your top gardening tips for beginners?
Sammy’s garden blends the structure with a burst of pink flowers
Image courtesy of Sammy Stringer
If you’re just starting out, I have some simple tricks:
Correct plant, right location: track the sun and pay attention to how much each area gets, then plant accordingly. If you have a shady garden, choose plants that thrive in the shade. For sunny locations, the plants will show you immediately when they are happy with their position.
Enhance Your Knowledge: I always read gardening magazines on my work breaks – it helps me turn off and relax.
Follow fellow gardeners: Follow social accounts like me for all the tips and tricks. I love sharing the best ways to do things in the garden, from sowing, splitting and planting.
Learn by doing it: Don’t worry if something goes wrong. You can try again at any time.
Grows like Sammy
Image: “Vanille Fraise” by Thompson & Morgan’s Hydrangea Panicurata (© Dreamstime)
If you want to grow plants, Sammy will showcase her showcase on her Instagram page. Some of her favorites include:
Want to see how Sammy’s Pink Paradise Plan unfolds? Follow her journey on @insammysgarden_’s Instagram. For even more inspiration, our series of notable gardeners are full of highly knowledgeable producers.
The Thompson & Morgan Horticultural team produces a wealth of content on gardening and food production. Since the first seed catalogue was released in 1855, Thompson & Morgan has grown into one of the UK’s largest mail-order seed and plant companies. Through publishing catalogs and running an award-winning website, Thompson & Morgan is able to provide home gardeners with the highest quality products that money can buy.
Related Posts you might enjoy
