Lee Burkhill, born in the United Kingdom in the early 1980s, is a celebrated garden designer, blogger, and BBC television presenter best known as the Garden Ninja. Originally trained and working in IT for over a decade, he made a bold career change to pursue his passion for horticulture. His breakthrough came in 2016 when he won the RHS & BBC Feel Good Garden competition, propelling him into the spotlight. Since then, Lee Burkhill has built an award-winning brand, combining design expertise with accessible gardening advice. Today, he’s recognized not only for his work on Garden Rescue but also for his plant-first design philosophy and engaging online presence. His inspiring journey from IT professional to horticultural leader makes him one of the most notable voices in modern British gardening.
Who Is Lee Burkhill?
Lee Burkhill, known as the Garden Ninja, is a British garden designer, award-winning blogger, and BBC presenter. Born in the UK in the early 1980s, he first built a career in IT before following his passion for horticulture. His turning point came in 2016 when he won the RHS & BBC Feel Good Garden competition, a victory that launched his design career.
Since then, Lee Burkhill has become admired for his plant-first design philosophy, combining sustainability, bold color, and practicality to transform outdoor spaces. He is a familiar face on BBC’s Garden Rescue, where his approachable personality and expertise inspire gardening enthusiasts across the country. Away from TV, he lives in Lancashire with his husband, Ryan, advocating for inclusivity and authenticity.
Lee Burkhill’s Early Life and Childhood Passion
Long before he became a household name, Lee Burkhill as a child was already captivated by the outdoors. His grandfather’s allotment and his family’s garden introduced him to soil, planting, and the beauty of nature.
These childhood experiences laid the foundation for his lifelong love of horticulture. Gardening was not just a hobby; it was an escape and a place of creativity. Though his early career path didn’t lead directly into the garden, the seeds were already planted for what would eventually blossom into a full-fledged profession.
A Career in IT: The Path Before Gardening
Interestingly, Lee Burkhill’s professional journey began in the IT sector. For over a decade, he worked in technology, building a career that seemed safe and financially secure.
But for all its stability, IT didn’t fulfill his creative side. Behind the spreadsheets and systems, he longed for the vibrant energy of gardens. Fans who search for “Lee Burkhill young” often find it surprising that before becoming the Garden Ninja, he was deeply embedded in the world of computers and project management.
This career gave him problem-solving skills and structure, but not joy. Eventually, the pull of the soil became impossible to ignore.
The Turning Point: From IT to Garden Rescue
The defining moment in Lee Burkhill’s career came in 2016, when he entered and won the RHS and BBC Feel Good Garden competition. This recognition propelled him into the public eye and gave him the confidence to pivot careers.
That victory marked the start of Garden Ninja, his personal garden design brand. What began as a side passion soon became his full-time calling. Lee started creating content online, offering practical gardening advice through his blog, YouTube channel, and social media.
This bold move showed that following passion can indeed become a thriving career.
Garden Ninja: Building a Brand in British Horticulture
The brand Garden Ninja was born out of Lee’s desire to make gardening accessible. Many beginners are intimidated by the complexity of plants and design, but Lee Burkhill aimed to change that.
His approach was clear: gardening should be fun, creative, and achievable for everyone. Through tutorials, online videos, and interactive guides, he broke down complex design principles into easy steps.
Key aspects of the Garden Ninja brand include:
- Plant-first design principles
- Sustainability and wildlife-friendly choices
- Bold, modern aesthetics blended with functionality
- Encouragement for beginners to experiment without fear
By creating this approachable identity, Lee became more than just a designer he became a gardening educator.
Lee Burkhill on Garden Rescue
For many viewers, their first introduction to Lee Burkhill came when he joined BBC’s Garden Rescue. Alongside presenters like Charlie Dimmock, he brought fresh design ideas and modern creativity to the screen.
His warm personality, combined with his innovative designs, made him instantly popular. Audiences appreciated how he explained concepts clearly, showing that garden transformation could be both beautiful and practical.
Appearing on television elevated his profile from blogger to national gardening personality. It also demonstrated his ability to connect with diverse audiences, from casual viewers to dedicated gardeners.
Design Philosophy and Gardening Style
What makes Lee Burkhill stand out is his philosophy. While many designers begin with structures, Lee starts with plants. He believes gardens should be designed as living, breathing ecosystems.
Core elements of his philosophy include:
- Plant-led designs: choosing the right plants first, then fitting the design around them
- Sustainability: creating spaces that respect the environment
- Texture and color: bold use of plants to add vibrancy and movement
- User-friendly layouts: spaces that are both practical and relaxing
This “plant-first” approach has earned him recognition as a thought leader in modern British garden design.
Personal Life: Husband, Partner, and Family
Fans frequently search for terms like “Lee Burkhill husband”, “Lee Burkhill partner”, and even “is Lee Burkhill married?” The answer is yes Lee is happily married to his husband, Ryan.
Together, they live in Lancashire with their two Border Terriers, Barry and Percy. Their relationship has been a source of strength, and Lee often shares glimpses of their life together on social media.
Some people mistakenly search “Lee Burkhill wife”, but the truth is that Lee is proudly part of the LGBTQ+ community. His openness about his personal life has made him an advocate for inclusivity in both media and horticulture.
Overcoming Challenges: Health and Advocacy
Life hasn’t always been easy for Lee Burkhill. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 16, he has learned to balance health challenges with a demanding career.
In addition, Lee has been vocal about social issues, particularly around inclusivity and respect. He has publicly spoken against bullying and has supported LGBTQ+ visibility in gardening media.
By sharing his personal struggles, he inspires others not only to embrace gardening but also to live authentically.
Awards, Recognition, and Achievements
Over the years, Lee Burkhill has earned numerous awards that showcase his expertise and influence. These include:
- RHS & BBC Feel Good Garden Winner (2016)
- Chelsea Flower Show Director General’s Award (2018)
- Hampton Court 5-Star Trade Stand Award (2018)
- Vuelo Top 10 Garden Blogger Award (2019)
These accolades cement his reputation as one of the most respected figures in British horticulture today.
Lee Burkhill’s Impact on Modern Gardening
Through his online platforms, blog, and TV presence, Lee Burkhill has inspired thousands to embrace gardening. His approachable advice demystifies design, encouraging everyone from beginners to experienced gardeners to explore their creativity.
Beyond plants, his impact lies in his advocacy for authenticity. By openly discussing his marriage, health, and struggles, he shows that true success comes from embracing who you are.
In many ways, Lee has redefined what it means to be a garden designer: part educator, part role model, and part innovator.
Conclusion: A True Garden Ninja
From his days in IT to becoming a celebrated garden designer and television presenter, Lee Burkhill’s story is one of transformation and passion. His childhood love for gardening, his bold career shift, and his authentic personal journey have made him a beloved figure in British horticulture.
For those wondering about Lee Burkhill age, he is in his 40s still young and full of energy, with many more gardens to design and communities to inspire. Truly, he is the Garden Ninja who turned a dream into a legacy.
FAQs
Who is Lee Burkhill?
Lee Burkhill is a British garden designer, blogger, and BBC presenter known as the Garden Ninja.
Is Lee Burkhill married?
Yes, Lee Burkhill is married to his husband, Ryan.
What was Lee Burkhill’s career before gardening?
He worked in the IT industry for more than 10 years before moving into horticulture.
How did Lee Burkhill start his gardening career?
He launched his career after winning the RHS & BBC Feel Good Garden competition in 2016.
What is Lee Burkhill’s design philosophy?
His philosophy is “plant-first” design creating sustainable, wildlife-friendly gardens that are both beautiful and functional.
