Joe Swift

Joe Swift is an English garden designer, journalist and television personality, best known as a presenter of TV gardening programmes such as BBC Gardeners World and Great British Garden Revival.

Joe began his career as a landscape gardener in 1983, subsequently studying garden design at the Chelsea Physic Gardens and then (in 1990) setting up a garden design and construction business in North London. In 1997, he established The Plant Room, an innovative design and retail outlet in Islington, which later became the garden design and build company Modular Garden.

In addition to his work with Gardeners World, Joe has presented or co-presented a number of other horticultural-themed TV shows, including: Small Town Gardens (BBC2), the Chelsea Flower Show, The Blenheim Flower Show, Garden Makers, Open Gardens, and Gardener Of The Year.

Joe's books include The Plant Room and Joe's Urban Garden, but his biggest literary success was the highly popular Joe's Allotment, published in 2009. Joe has also written for a number of newspapers and magazines, including The Independent, The Evening Standard, The Sunday Times, The Times and Gardeners' World magazine.

Joe is an Ambassador for King Henry's Walk Community Garden and The National Gardens Scheme, and a Patron of the Horniman Museum and the Harington Scheme. In 2010, he was appointed President of the National Gardens Scheme.

Talks by Joe

Designing a Chelsea gold medal garden.

From initial concept design idea to travelling around the UK, Germany and Spain to select stunning trees and plants this talk follows the highs, lows and sheer intensity of making a £250,000 gold medal winning Chelsea show garden. As well as following the process Joe will punctuate the illustrated talk with humorous anecdotes of media expectations (Joe had presented the programme for many years but had yet to do his own garden), and meeting many of the Royals during Jubilee year (including the queen). (Fully illustrated talk)

Joes Allotment

Although Joe no longer has his allotment he learnt how to grow his own from scratch, which was filmed as part of a strand for the BBC. Joe took over a weed ridden plot and with a little guidance from the other (rather cynical) allotmenteers and plenty of hard graft turned it round managed to grow some fabulous produce for his family. His proudest moment was winning first prize for his perfect fennel plant in the local show. Joe now grows some edibles at home in his small London garden and inspires others to do the same. (Fully illustrated talk)

Joes garden design approach.

Most gardeners can’t see beyond their dull rectangular plot. Joes simple design talk looks at layouts, plants and planting design as well as how to style a garden to get a designed look without having to spend a fortune. Joe has been designing gardens since the 80’s and has a wealth of design and practical experience to help people create their dream garden. (Fully illustrated talk)

15 years of TV gardening.

Joe talks candidly about his experiences being a TV gardener. Having presented gardeners World and most of the RHS flowers shows and many other programmes for 15 years he has some great behind the scenes stories and anecdotes working with Alan Titchmarsh, Monty Don and Carol Klein as well as others. Joe will chart the gardening trends that have come and gone over the years and talk about some of the gardens he designed for TV. (a few images)

To book Joe for your event, contact a Prime Performers Booking Agent via the online booking enquiry form or alternatively call us on 020 3500 3331 to discuss your requirements.