Lee Burkhill is a figure whose life story has captured attention for his remarkable journey in both personal and professional spheres. From his early years to his rise in career, every chapter of his life showcases resilience, ambition, and the unique experiences that shaped him. Fans and followers often look for insights into his personal life, partnerships, and achievements, making him a subject of curiosity across social media and search engines.
Known for his dynamic career and intriguing personal story, Lee Burkhill stands as an inspiration for many. His life, documented across public profiles and Wikipedia, highlights not only his professional milestones but also his relationships, family life, and lasting influence. Whether you are interested in his early years, his partnerships, or his career achievements, Lee Burkhill’s story offers a complete picture of dedication and success.
Who is Lee Burkhill?
Lee Burkhill, better known by his brand name “The Garden Ninja,” is a multi-award-winning British garden designer, television presenter, blogger, and YouTuber born on 15th February 1983 in Lancashire, England. He is best known to mainstream audiences as a TV host and presenter on BBC One’s popular daytime BBC gardening show Garden Rescue, where he works alongside Charlie Dimmock helping homeowners transform their outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional gardens.
Before becoming a household name in the world of horticulture, Lee spent over a decade working in IT as a senior project manager before making a bold career change to follow his true passion. He founded Garden Ninja Ltd in 2014, and has since built one of the UK’s most recognised and respected gardening brands, earning numerous prestigious awards, a loyal online following, and a reputation for making garden design approachable, affordable, and inspiring for everyone.
Lee Burkhill: Early Years
Lee Burkhill was born on 15th February 1983 in Lancashire, England, and developed a love for gardening from a very young age. Growing up, his grandfather was an allotment gardener who grew his own vegetables and maintained a rose garden, and Lee would regularly help him tend to the plants. These early experiences with nature left a lasting impression on him, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become his life’s work.
During his teenage years, Lee became what he describes as a “secret gardener,” having been bullied at school for being gay. Gardening became a real lifeline for him during those difficult times — a quiet, personal sanctuary where he could find peace and express his creativity away from the pressures of school life. This emotional connection to the garden would stay with him throughout his life.
Education and Early Interests
Before fully committing to horticulture, Lee spent over a decade working in IT as a project manager, a career that offered stability but failed to satisfy his creative side. The turning point came when his husband encouraged him to pursue something he was more passionate about. He signed up for a garden design course at RHS Harlow Carr almost on a whim, and as he describes it, it was like a “snowball effect” from that point onwards.
Lee went on to formally qualify in Horticulture at the RHS Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, gaining the academic grounding to complement his lifelong hands-on experience with plants. After completing his part-time RHS garden design course, entering a couple of competitions, and participating in RHS shows, his career took off rapidly — transforming him from a hobbyist into one of Britain’s most recognised and celebrated garden designers.
Personal Life of Lee Burkhill
Lee Burkhill Husband
Lee Burkhill is married to his husband, Ryan, and the couple live together in Lancashire, England. It was his husband who encouraged him to make a career change into garden design after a particularly difficult time at work, making Ryan a pivotal figure not only in Lee’s personal life but in his professional journey as well. Their relationship status has clearly been a cornerstone of Lee’s success and happiness.
Their partnership is built on love, respect, and shared creativity, and together they live in Lancashire with their two Border Terriers, Barry and Percy. While Lee is open about being married, he is protective of his private life and rarely speaks about Ryan in detail publicly, preferring to let his work and passion for UK gardening take centre stage.
Lee Burkhill Partner
Lee keeps his family firmly out of the spotlight and doesn’t post about his husband on Instagram (@garden_ninja_lee), and hasn’t actually revealed his name publicly. However, what is known is that he has spoken openly about how supportive his partner is. Their bond appears to be one of quiet strength, with Ryan consistently encouraging Lee to pursue his dreams even when it meant leaving behind a stable and well-paid career in IT.
In December 2025, Burkhill shared images to Instagram seemingly showing off his partner and some friends, captioning the post: “Absolutely wonderful time with the bestest friends and double daters.” This rare glimpse into his personal life offered fans a small but heartwarming window into the couple’s world, showing a relationship built on warmth, friendship, and shared experiences.
Lee Burkhill Wife
It is worth clarifying that Lee Burkhill does not have a wife. Some people mistakenly search “Lee Burkhill wife,” but the truth is that Lee is proudly part of the LGBTQ+ community. He is a gay man who is openly married to his husband, Ryan, and has never shied away from his identity, even speaking publicly about being bullied as a teenager for being gay.
Lee is also a vocal ally to the transgender community, and has used his platform to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals. His openness about his identity and his advocacy work have made him a respected and admired figure both within the LGBTQ+ community and among the wider British public, demonstrating that his influence extends well beyond the world of landscape design.
Where did Lee Burkhill Study?
Lee Burkhill’s formal journey into horticulture began when he enrolled on a part-time garden design course at RHS Harlow Carr, a Royal Horticultural Society garden located in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. It was almost a spontaneous decision, encouraged by his husband during a difficult period in his IT professional career, but it proved to be the turning point that changed the entire direction of his life. From that initial course, his passion and ambition snowballed rapidly.
He went on to further his qualifications by studying Horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, one of the most prestigious botanical institutions in the world. This formal academic training, combined with his lifelong hands-on experience gardening alongside his grandfather as a child, gave him both the technical knowledge and the creative confidence to launch Garden Ninja Ltd in 2014 and establish himself as one of Britain’s most celebrated and respected horticultural experts.
Hobbies, Interests, and Early Passions
From a very young age, Lee Burkhill’s greatest passion was gardening — something he first discovered helping his grandfather tend to an allotment and rose garden as a small child in Lancashire. As a teenager, he described himself as a “secret gardener,” quietly retreating to the garden during difficult school years when he was being bullied, using it as a personal sanctuary to find calm, creativity, and a sense of purpose. This deep emotional connection to plants and outdoor spaces was not simply a hobby for Lee — it was, from the very beginning, a genuine refuge and a core part of who he was.
Beyond gardening, Lee has shown a strong interest in education, advocacy, and community building throughout his life. He is passionate about raising awareness of Type 1 Diabetes, having been diagnosed himself at the age of 16, and regularly shares gardening tips while speaking about managing the condition while living an active and fulfilling life. He is also a committed advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity, and has spoken openly about his experiences of being bullied as a gay teenager.
Career and Achievements
Lee Burkhill founded Garden Ninja Ltd in 2014, building it into a multi-award-winning garden design brand alongside a popular blog and YouTube channel. His impressive list of accolades includes the RHS & BBC Feel Good Gardens Winner 2016, the Chelsea Flower Show Director General’s Trade Stand Award in 2018, the Garden Media Guild Alan Titchmarsh New Talent Award Runner-Up in 2017, and the Vuelo Top 10 Garden Blogger Award in 2019. He also designed the BBC Sunshine Show Garden at RHS Tatton in 2019 in memory of the late BBC North West Tonight weather presenter Dianne Oxberry.
On television, Lee joined BBC One’s Garden Rescue in 2021 and became a full-time presenter from Series 7 in 2022, working regularly alongside the much-loved Charlie Dimmock and fellow experts Flo Headlam and Chris Hull. Beyond screen, he is a public speaker for the RHS, a regular panellist on BBC Radio Manchester, and a qualified horticulturist trained at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. His mission, as he describes it, is simple — to educate and inspire as many new gardeners as possible, regardless of budget, background, or experience.
How Lee Burkhill Became a Garden Designer
Lee Burkhill’s path to garden design and garden makeover work was far from conventional. After spending over a decade working as a senior IT project manager, he found himself increasingly frustrated by slow-moving projects and a growing sense that his creative potential was going untapped. It was his husband who first encouraged him to consider a career change, and on something of a whim, Lee signed up for a part-time garden design course at RHS Harlow Carr. That single decision, as he has described it, had a “snowball effect” that would completely transform his life.
From there, Lee threw himself fully into the world of horticulture — studying at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, entering gardening competitions, and participating in RHS shows to build his reputation. He founded Garden Ninja Ltd in 2014, launching his blog and YouTube channel alongside his design business to educate and inspire a new generation of gardeners.
Public Profile and Wikipedia Facts
Lee Burkhill is widely recognised across the UK under his brand name “The Garden Ninja,” a nickname first given to him by one of his earliest clients. He is active across multiple platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, and his own gardening blog, where he shares hundreds of practical garden tips and guides covering everything from beginner tips to advanced landscape design. Although he does not currently have a dedicated Wikipedia page, his biography and achievements are extensively featured across gardening, media, and lifestyle publications throughout the UK.
Key facts widely documented about him include his date of birth on 15th February 1983, his Lancashire roots, his decade-long career as an IT professional before switching to horticulture, his Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis at age 16, and his marriage to his husband Ryan. He is also noted for his distinctive look — including his famous mohawk — and his strong advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity within the UK gardening scene, having spoken openly about being bullied as a teenager for being gay.
Legacy and Influence
Lee Burkhill’s greatest legacy lies in making gardening accessible to a new, younger, and more diverse generation. His plant-first, wildlife-friendly design philosophy — which champions herbaceous perennials, sustainable planting, and a firm rejection of fake grass and excessive hard landscaping — has helped shift the conversation around what modern British garden redesign can look and feel like. Through his online courses, blog guides, and YouTube videos, he has built a global community of gardeners who feel empowered to get their hands in the soil.
Beyond horticulture, Lee’s influence extends into social advocacy. His openness about living with Type 1 Diabetes, his experiences of being bullied, his identity as a gay man, and his vocal support for the transgender community have made him a figure of authenticity and courage in the public eye. As he himself has said, the real reward is not the awards or the television appearances, but the freedom that gardening brings — and his life’s work has been to share that freedom with as many people as possible.
Public Recognition and Media Presence
Lee Burkhill’s public profile has grown steadily since the launch of his Garden Ninja brand in 2014, built on the back of his widely read blog, his YouTube channel, and his active presence across social media platforms including Instagram. His approachable style, distinctive look — complete with his trademark mohawk — and his ability to break down complex garden design concepts into simple, accessible gardening tips quickly earned him a loyal and engaged following across the UK and beyond.
His media presence was further boosted by a string of prestigious industry awards, including the Chelsea Flower Show Director General’s Trade Stand Award and the Garden Media Guild Alan Titchmarsh New Talent Award Runner-Up, which brought him to the attention of broadcasters and horticultural institutions alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lee Burkhill?
Lee Burkhill is a professional known for his achievements in his field and a personal story that has intrigued many fans. He has also gained attention for his relationships and life experiences.
How old is Lee Burkhill?
The exact age of Lee Burkhill is not publicly confirmed, but he was born in the late 20th century. His early years are highlighted in various biographies and articles.
Who is Lee Burkhill’s partner or husband?
Lee Burkhill’s partner or spouse has been mentioned in some public sources, though he keeps his personal life relatively private. He focuses on balancing career and personal relationships carefully.
What is Lee Burkhill’s career background?
Lee Burkhill has had a significant career, excelling in his profession and gaining recognition for his skills and achievements. His career journey includes milestones that reflect both growth and influence.
Where was Lee Burkhill born?
Lee Burkhill was born in the United Kingdom, where he spent his formative years before establishing himself professionally. His upbringing influenced his interests and career path.
Does Lee Burkhill have a Wikipedia page?
Yes, Lee Burkhill has a public profile, and some sources list a Wikipedia-style biography detailing his life, achievements, and personal information.
What is Lee Burkhill known for?
He is known for his professional contributions, public presence, and the intriguing story of his personal life, which includes relationships, partnerships, and personal growth.
Conclusion
Lee Burkhill’s life story is a compelling mix of professional success and personal experiences. His early years laid the foundation for a career marked by dedication and achievement. Over the years, he has built a reputation for being both ambitious and grounded, earning respect in his field. His personal life, while private, adds depth to his public persona, offering fans a glimpse of his human side. The relationships he has nurtured, including with his partner or husband, show a balance between career focus and personal commitments.
His presence on public platforms and Wikipedia-style profiles ensures that followers can explore his life story comprehensively.From childhood experiences to career highlights, Lee Burkhill exemplifies resilience and dedication. Understanding his journey provides inspiration for many seeking to balance professional growth with meaningful personal connections.
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