When Hazel Gardiner was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at age 27, gardening became her lifeline. “Nature was like a green hug during those challenging days,” the floral designer, broadcaster, and writer tells Country Living.
“Being surrounded by green is so uplifting. Even though my life was in absolute chaos, I knew that the seasons were still going to unfold. I would sit waiting for test results to come back, but felt peace knowing the sun would rise again and the moon would shine.
“There’s something very grounding about nature when your time is so uncertain.”
Hazel’s career began in the fashion industry, working for the UK’s national newspapers and glossy magazines.
“My degree was in fashion journalism, and I’ve always been interested in floral garments. A lot of people in fashion end up working in gardening as a second career. Once my passion for gardening had been unleashed, I knew I wanted to make it a career,” she tells us.
andrea gilpin
While Hazel’s love affair with flowers started as a child (she recalls exploring the Chilterns with her grandmother and helping her father on the family allotment), the seed of gardening as a career was sown during her cancer treatment.
“I was suddenly not scared about starting my own business,” says Hazel. “The worst thing that could happen was death, and that just hit me in the face, so what do I have to be afraid of? I can do anything I want. It was that fearlessness that helped me.
“I embarked on a gardening course in 2016 — it just felt like the most natural step. I got diagnosed with PTSD as my previous job was so stressful. Success doesn’t have to mean being busy all the time.”
“There’s something very grounding about nature when your time is so uncertain”
Hazel used her cancer diagnosis as a catalyst for change. “It was quite a gruelling journey to get diagnosed. I knew that my life would never be the same,” she tells us ahead of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
“It was devastating, but I also saw it as an opportunity. I was successful in television, but I wasn’t happy. It was a chance to reset. Anything that depleted me, I decided to move away from.”
Zoe Norfolk
Previous studies show the links between nature and those battling cancer, with benefits including reduced fatigue, improved mental health, and increased overall wellbeing.
“When you are going through cataclysmic trauma, studies say we need to look at expansive, beautiful spaces — not just the four walls of a room,” explains Hazel. “The simplicity of sitting on a park bench, listening to birdsong with the sun on your face. When everything else is stripped away, that’s all you want. Health, loved ones, and having the privilege of being in nature are all I need. Those small moments become the big moments. It’s that promise of better.”
For Hazel, gardening provided peace and a purpose after weeks of chemotherapy. Moving into a flat of her own in Walthamstow shortly before her diagnosis gave her all the more reason to head outside.
“Gardening gave me the chance to do something I could do. I’m so creative. Gardening kept me occupied. It’s more about the practice and mindfulness of gardening. I always loved the outdoors. I always loved nature and that vast scenery. I would pick things from the allotment with my dad, but I never had any ownership over that space until I had my own garden.”
andrea gilpin
Hazel, along with garden designer Pollyanna Wilkinson, will be creating an immersive floral display in Newson’s Yard for Belgravia in Bloom, coinciding with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025.
Entitled ‘The Everlasting Garden’ in collaboration with Belgravia in Bloom’s official charity partner Horatio’s Garden, the display offers a multi-sensory journey through spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
“We will be celebrating flowers throughout the season, including lots of dried flowers, branches and fresh planting. Pollyanna has put together some beautiful pots with summer flowers that are in season now. There’s plenty to be found outdoors from January to December, so we really wanted to showcase that,” says Hazel. “There will also be a magnificent arch, as well as a handmade wooden seat for people to sit.”
Horatio’s Garden
Hazel with Horatio’s Garden founder, Dr Olivia Chapple OBE and charity trustee Vicky Holton
Meanwhile, inside Chelsea, Hazel and Pollyanna will also be designing a large-scale floral installation complementary to Monty Don’s dog-friendly garden.
“The theme is dogs, and we will be using a colour palette that dogs can see. Lots of blues and yellows, plus three huge floral arches. They are symbolic of dogs running through agility tunnels and arches. It’s that feeling of being cocooned as you walk through.”
The world-famous flower show is packed with tips and takeaway advice for gardening enthusiasts and amateurs alike. But what’s Hazel’s best hack for planting success?
“This sounds ridiculous, but kneepads,” she laughs, “I like anything that makes my life easier. They are a game-changer. I used to always use kneelers, but kneepads are better because you don’t have to move them around. That an a holster for your secateurs. It’s those hacks that I love.”
Belgravia in Bloom is taking place from 19th to 26th May 2025, and is free for all to attend. For more information, visit belgraviavillage.com.
Gardening essentials
Gardeners HandkerchiefsCredit: Country Living Marketplace
Lamb’s Ladies Gardening ClogCredit: Country Living Marketplace
Large Garden Scissors in Leather HolderCredit: Squirrel
Recycled Leather Seed OrganiserCredit: Country Living Marketplace
Grow Your Own Thai Chef’s GardenCredit: Country Living Marketplace
Split Waist ApronCredit: Country Living Marketplace
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she’s busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.