Frances Tophill

Frances Tophill is a passionate gardener, who started her love affair with plants by doing an NVQ and apprenticeship at The Salutation Garden in Kent. Followed quickly by a degree in Horticulture with Plantsmanship at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Frances has since enjoyed a long and successful career in the horticulture industry.

Her practical gardening experience is extensive, she worked a season at Monet’s garden, has worked at the Andromeda Botanical Garden in Barbados and has done WWOOF work at a number of different locations including work on vineyards and in viticulture.  Frances has spent many years working in gardens with vulnerable adults, including adults with learning disabilities and mental health challenges.  

She is passionate about conversation and sustainability and has worked in native tree planting for the Conifer Conservation Project in Edinburgh and for Moor Trees in Devon.  Frances is also the Patron of Thanet Urban Forest and works with the RHS on the Campaign for School Gardening.  She is currently Head Gardener and Grower at Sharpham Trust. In 2022 Frances was awarded best show garden for a sustainable garden design and build at Gardeners’ World Live.

On screen, Frances is known for her work with Gardeners’ World and Love Your Garden.  She is the author of 4 books and her down-to-earth nature makes her a popular speaker at garden events.