Lee Burkhill: From IT Professional to BBC’s Garden Rescue Star and Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights

Lee Burkhill, known for his role as the face of the BBC’s Garden Rescue, has built a reputation as a prominent gardening expert. However, his path to success in horticulture was far from traditional. Before becoming the well-loved television personality that we see today, Lee spent more than a decade in the IT industry. His journey into the world of gardening was not only a professional transformation but also a deeply personal one, encouraged by his supportive husband.

Early Life and Career

Lee Burkhill was born and raised in the United Kingdom. Little is publicly known about his childhood, as he has kept that part of his life largely private. However, what is clear is that his early career was shaped by his work in the IT sector. Before finding his true passion, Lee was immersed in the world of technology and spent years building a career in IT. While it was a stable profession, it wasn’t what truly fulfilled him.

As with many people who pursue their dreams later in life, Lee’s decision to leave behind his IT career came after a period of introspection. In a conversation with Sitting Spiritually in 2022, he shared how his husband played a pivotal role in pushing him toward a new career. Lee explained that it was during a particularly difficult time at work that his partner suggested he explore a career in garden design. The support and encouragement from his husband served as the spark for Lee’s leap into horticulture.

Lee Burkhill’s Transition to Gardening

Lee Burkhill’s shift from IT to garden design was not an immediate or easy transition. It took time for him to establish himself in the competitive world of gardening. His passion for plants and design eventually led him to launch his own blog and YouTube channel under the moniker The Garden Ninja. The channel quickly gained traction, attracting a loyal following of gardening enthusiasts looking for tips and inspiration.

With a combination of hands-on gardening expertise and a natural flair for explaining complex concepts in an accessible way, Lee’s online presence grew. His YouTube tutorials, helpful tips, and gardening hacks made him a favorite among aspiring gardeners. His blog also gained popularity as he shared his personal experiences and advice for cultivating beautiful gardens, no matter the size of the space.

But it was his television career that would bring Lee to a much larger audience. In 2020, Lee was introduced to BBC’s Garden Rescue, a show where experts design and transform gardens for people across the UK. The show had already established a strong following with previous hosts, but Lee’s addition marked the beginning of a new chapter for the series. Alongside veteran garden designers such as Charlie Dimmock, Lee became part of the team that would continue to inspire viewers with his gardening knowledge and creative designs.

Garden Rescue and Lee’s Role

Garden Rescue has been a hit with viewers, thanks in part to its accessible format and relatable experts. Lee, as one of the key presenters, has been able to showcase his extensive knowledge of garden design, offering practical solutions and creative ideas for homeowners with all sorts of gardening dilemmas. His work on the show, combined with his online presence, has solidified his position as a leading figure in the world of gardening.

One of the most notable aspects of Lee’s work on Garden Rescue is his ability to work within the constraints of different gardens. Whether it’s a small city garden or a sprawling country plot, Lee’s designs are always tailored to the specific needs of the homeowner. This versatility has made him a fan favorite, as he consistently delivers designs that are both functional and beautiful.

Since joining Garden Rescue, Lee has been joined by fellow gardening experts like Flo Headlam and Chris Hull, who collaborate with him to provide unique and personalized garden transformations. The show’s format, which revolves around redesigning gardens for real people, has allowed Lee to bring his expertise directly to the homes of viewers, offering practical solutions to everyday gardening challenges.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Lee Burkhill is known for his professionalism and expertise, but he is also someone who openly shares his personal life with his followers. While he has kept the details of his husband’s identity private, he has spoken frequently about the support he has received from his partner. As mentioned earlier, it was his husband who encouraged him to pursue his dream career in gardening after a tough period at work.

In addition to his professional success, Lee has been open about his past experiences with bullying, particularly regarding his sexuality. He has been candid about his struggles as a gay man and has expressed his support for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2019, he made a public statement on Twitter addressing the bullying he endured as a teenager for being gay, drawing a parallel to the challenges faced by transgender people. His tweet was a call for solidarity, encouraging people to stand strong and support one another, particularly those in the transgender community.

Lee’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights continues, and he has used his platform to speak out against online bullying, discrimination, and hate. He has shown that his journey is not just about professional achievements but also about creating a more inclusive and supportive society. His openness about his identity has resonated with many of his followers, particularly those who share similar experiences.

Lee Burkhill’s Career Achievements

Since transitioning to a full-time career in gardening, Lee has achieved a number of significant milestones. In addition to his work on Garden Rescue, he has earned prestigious accolades for his work as a garden designer. In 2018, he won the Chelsea Flower Show Director Generals Trade Standard Award, a highly regarded honor in the horticultural world. His success at the Chelsea Flower Show further cemented his reputation as a skilled and innovative garden designer.

Lee’s work has been featured in numerous gardening publications, and he has appeared as a guest speaker at various events. His expertise is regularly sought after by homeowners, businesses, and organizations looking for professional garden design services. Lee’s dedication to his craft and his passion for gardening have made him a respected figure in the industry.

His YouTube channel, Garden Ninja: Lee Burkhill, has grown to over fifty thousand subscribers, where he continues to share gardening tips, advice, and tutorials. Through his channel, Lee has helped countless people transform their gardens into beautiful and functional spaces. His ability to connect with his audience and provide clear, actionable advice has contributed to the success of his online presence.

Personal Details: Lee’s Family and Life Today

While Lee Burkhill tends to keep his personal life private, certain aspects have been shared publicly, particularly his relationship with his husband. Lee has spoken fondly of the support and encouragement he has received from his partner throughout his career transition. Although he has not disclosed his husband’s name, Lee has mentioned that it was his partner who inspired him to leave his IT career and follow his passion for gardening. This act of encouragement from his husband is something Lee has expressed gratitude for in various interviews.

Lee’s family life remains private, and he has not shared extensive details about whether he and his husband have children. His focus on his career and gardening expertise has been the primary subject of his public life, and he seems content to keep his family life away from the spotlight. His social media profiles often focus on his gardening work, professional achievements, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, rather than personal family details.

As for Lee’s age, he was born on 13th December 1982, which makes him 43 years old as of 2026. Despite his relatively young age, he has already accomplished a great deal in his career. His contributions to the gardening world and his personal growth over the years have made him a role model for many people, particularly those who are navigating career changes or facing challenges in their personal lives.

Is Lee Burkhill Transgender?

There have been some questions raised about Lee Burkhill’s gender identity, specifically regarding whether he is transgender. However, Lee has consistently identified as a gay man, and there is no public indication that he is transgender. While Lee has been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has supported transgender individuals, there is no evidence to suggest that he is transgender himself.

His openness about his sexuality, combined with his advocacy for the transgender community, highlights his commitment to promoting inclusivity and understanding. Lee has used his platform to address issues related to bullying, discrimination, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly the transgender community.

Conclusion

Lee Burkhill’s journey from the world of IT to becoming a beloved gardening expert is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion. With the encouragement of his husband, Lee took a leap of faith and embraced a new career path that has not only brought him success but has also allowed him to inspire others. Through his work on Garden Rescue, his blog, and his YouTube channel, Lee has become a trusted voice in the world of gardening, offering practical advice and creative solutions for gardeners of all levels.

In addition to his professional achievements, Lee’s advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, his personal struggles with bullying, and his dedication to fostering inclusivity make him a role model for many. His journey serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to make a change and pursue a career that truly aligns with one’s passions and values.