About Jodi Dickinson MHort(RHS)
How I got into gardening
I’m Jodi Dickinson, a professional gardener born and raised in Cornwall. Growing up by the sea, surrounded by the Cornish landscape, I developed a deep connection with the natural environment from an early age. What began as curiosity gradually became a lifelong commitment to gardening, plants and the careful management of outdoor spaces.
Cornwall’s temperate, maritime climate allows an exceptional variety of plants to thrive. After university, I returned to Cornwall and began working as a self-employed gardener, supported in the early stages by The Prince’s Trust. This marked the start of Juniper Gardens, built on providing reliable, knowledgeable and thoughtful garden maintenance and long-term garden care.
Education and inspirations
I was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 3 Advanced Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture at Rosewarne College, Camborne. This provided a strong foundation in practical gardening skills, plant health, pruning, soil management and seasonal garden maintenance. I was also pleased to receive an award for top student during the course..
I later completed the RHS Master of Horticulture, awarded with distinction. This advanced qualification deepened my understanding of plant science, garden management and how well-maintained gardens can support people, wildlife and the wider environment. As part of the programme, students gather annually at the RHS Garden Wisley to share knowledge and gain insight into professional garden management at the highest level.
My dissertation focused on how gardens can adapt to climate change, an area that continues to inform my approach to plant selection, maintenance schedules and long-term garden development. Alongside practical experience, our work is informed by academic study and research into the benefits of horticulture, particularly in relation to health, ecology and place.
Professional experience and approach to garden care
Alongside my horticultural training, I have over eighteen years’ experience working as a gardener across Cornwall, caring for a wide range of gardens — from coastal and town gardens to larger private and institutional landscapes.
I am currently Head Gardener at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, Tate St Ives, where careful plant management, attention to detail and year-round maintenance are essential. Looking after the Tate St Ives roof garden has also strengthened my experience in managing exposed, coastal gardens and selecting plants suited to challenging condition.
My approach to garden maintenance and development is thoughtful and long-term, focusing on plant health, structure and seasonal balance rather than short-term appearance. I believe well-managed gardens should evolve naturally, improve year after year, and provide calm, enjoyment and ecological value.
Tools, sustainability and professional standards
I place great value on working with high-quality tools and use professional Japanese hand tools daily for pruning and detailed garden work, alongside modern battery and petrol equipment to ensure efficiency and reliability. Battery tools are used wherever appropriate to reduce noise and environmental impact.
Juniper Gardens is PA1 and PA6 qualified, allowing the safe and legal application of herbicides and pesticides when required, and is a registered green waste carrier. I work closely with specialist nurseries to source healthy, well-grown plants and maintain strong relationships across the horticultural industry.
Sustainability underpins my work as a gardener. I aim to manage gardens in ways that support long-term plant health, biodiversity and resilience, helping outdoor spaces in Cornwall thrive now and into the future.