Since joining the popular BBC programme Garden Rescue in 2020, Lee Burkhill has become a familiar and beloved face for gardening enthusiasts across the UK. But what is known about the life of this green-fingered expert when the cameras stop rolling?
From IT Professional to TV Gardener
Before he was transforming lacklustre gardens on national television, Lee Burkhill spent over a decade working in a completely different field: information technology. According to reports, the now 42-year-old presenter felt increasingly frustrated with the IT industry, which prompted a major career overhaul.
It was this dissatisfaction that led him to explore his creative side, ultimately setting him on the path to becoming the gardening sensation he is today. He is now a permanent fixture on Garden Rescue from the seventh series onwards, working alongside presenters Flo Headlam, Chris Hull, and the legendary Charlie Dimmock.
The Rise of The Garden Ninja
Lee's journey into the public eye began with his online alter ego, 'The Garden Ninja'. He started a blog and a YouTube channel, sharing his gardening knowledge through tips, tricks, and tutorials. His engaging content quickly amassed a significant following, proving his expertise resonated with a wide audience.
His digital presence extends to Instagram, where he boasts more than 43,000 followers on his account @Garden_ninja_Lee. There, he not only shares horticultural advice but also showcases his culinary skills and promotes his garden design courses. His formal training includes studying Horticulture with the RHS at the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens, and he brings over three decades of experience to his work, having designed hundreds of urban gardens.
A Supportive Husband and Personal Life
Away from the flower beds and television screens, Lee leads a happy married life. While he prefers to keep his personal life out of the spotlight and has not publicly revealed his husband's identity, he has spoken openly about the immense support his partner has provided.
In a 2022 interview, Lee disclosed that it was his husband who encouraged him to leave his IT career behind and pursue his true passion in garden design. "My husband sowed the seed about making a career change," Lee revealed, explaining that this push came after a particularly difficult period at his old job. He described his partner as "the spark that pushed me to take the leap."
Lee has also used his platform to speak out on important issues. In November 2019, he candidly discussed being bullied as a teenager for being gay and expressed his solidarity with the trans community, urging his followers to "stand strong" against online trolls.
