Hi!

I’m James Whiting, botanical designer, stylist and all round plant lover. For the last seven years, I’ve been working with tropical plants in the corporate and retail world; but in 2023 I took a big swing and went solo. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been putting plants here, there and everywhere; so it made complete sense to unleash Plants By There and #LUSHPLANTLIFE on London and beyond!

I’ve worked in a few roles and industries over the years and all have bolstered me to start this new venture that I hope you’ll be a part of. I started out studying Garden Design in 2005 and went on to start my own small soft landscaping business. I then moved into the world of Fashion Retail management as I was craving a more fast paced work environment. As I discovered my love of retail and branding, I began studying a BA in Fashion Promotion; specialising in styling and brand creation. Graduating in 2013, I relocated from Wales to London to follow my path in fashion and worked for several luxury retailers. But, I began to crave a connection with nature and a more creative outlet. So, I circled back to work with plants again in 2017 with established interior landscapers, Indoor Garden Design. What had been a passionate hobby for years had finally become my everyday!

Working for a creative and renowned interior planting design company enabled me to work on projects of every scale and type.  I designed and sold large-scale bespoke planting schemes, created seasonal displays, styled at prestigious events, ran corporate workshops and also built and grew an online houseplant retail brand (In-Tray Plants) during a pandemic! I couldn’t have asked for more experience in this incredible industry. A huge part of my role was project management with my client list including brands such as WeWork, UBS, ITV, J.W. Marriott, Selfridges, Jo Malone, Vitra, Harvey Nichols, Bottega Veneta and Harrods.

The most exciting part of my journey was exhibiting multiple houseplant displays at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a huge dream of mine as a plant obsessed teenager! My show debut in 2018 was with Indoor Garden Design and IKEA; when I project managed and built the #PLANTSWORK exhibit which won an RHS Silver-Gilt medal. Following that, in 2021 I designed and created The Green Room in the new Houseplant Studio category, again with Indoor Garden Design for sponsors Malvern Garden Buildings - we won a Gold medal!

Following unexpected redundancy in 2021, I went on to establish the commercial installation department of an independent houseplant retailer and then pivoted to manage and buy product for a luxury East London florist. In early 2022, the opportunity arose for me to spread my creative wings and design a Houseplant Studio for sponsors Malvern Garden Buildings at RHS Chelsea as a freelance designer…..FINALLY! The result? A Gold medal and the title of ‘Best Houseplant Studio 2022’! Planet Studio will forever be one of my favourite creations.

Following this amazing opportunity, I stepped into the role of Head of Product, Development & Community at a luxury houseplant start-up business. Naturally, I also designed and styled their botanical displays at events and spaces in the U.K. and Paris as well as creating a wealth of digital content for the brand.

In April 2023, I hit the big restart button and began my freelance journey…Plants By There came to life!

Working on an array of design and build projects for commercial clients all over London, I have developed my planting design and maintenance business and have a growing portfolio of corporate, retail, hospitality and private residential clients.

2024 saw me return to RHS Chelsea with a new Houseplant Studio Verdant Visions which won a Gold Medal and Best Houseplant Studio 2024. In May 2025 I won my RHS Gold Medal Hat trick with my ode to the 1980s and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon with Babylon Beats which also won Best Houseplant Studio 2025!

All of my RHS Chelsea displays have been incredible to create and help me to showcase how plants can be used to enhance our spaces. These projects have spurred me on to grow Plants By There even more and I’m excited for the journey to continue.