THE opening talk of 2023 for Wharfedale Gardeners’ Group was given by Katie Rushworth, TV presenter, garden designer and all round enthusiast.

She gave members the motivation for all things horticultural in the year ahead.

A spokesperson for Wharfedale Gardeners' Group said: "Her lively and entertaining talk gave us the inside information on the trials of working on a garden makeover show on TV. Her expertise is not only in design and planting but in building sheds, gazebos and water features, turning her hand to all kinds of landscape projects in all weather conditions in, sometimes, the tiniest of spaces

"Born in Leeds, she was always happy pottering in her mum’s small back garden and her grandparents’ lush and overstuffed front garden. Their enthusiasm for growing and enjoying plants must have had some effect because later, as a young mum and wanting more stimulation, she helped a friend with a garden maintenance company. Studying at night school in Skipton for three years, then onto Bradford University for four years, she gained a degree in Garden Design. Taking a chance, she applied for a job to appear in front of the camera, presenting garden tips. Shortly after she was offered the job and told it would be with Alan Titchmarsh and the team on the TV gardening programme “Love Your Garden”.

"On watching her give her first demonstration on the programme Alan commented 'you did alright there, lass’, a proud moment indeed!

"She has worked tirelessly on garden makeovers saying that the most satisfying part of the work is being able to change someone’s life by ‘simply’ creating an accessible outdoor space for them to flourish in. Her energy and enthusiasm have helped her to build a career that is both creative and rewarding

"We can tap into some of her boundless dynamism by watching her online. She makes videos with top tips for us all to all follow (on YouTube). On her Instagram page she posts images of her own garden and vegetable growing triumphs and is available as a garden advisor and designer through her own website."

To see more about Katie and her work visit www.katierushworth.com or see her on Twitter at katie_gardens;

YouTube: @katierushworth-gardeningch5738; Facebook: katiequeenofspades and Instagram: katie_gardens