My roots
I was raised on a plant nursery by my father, a respected horticulturalist. From an early age I was taught not only the Latin names of trees, but how to read them — how to notice their health, habits, relationships, and the wildlife they support.
Just as importantly, I learned respect for the natural world as a living system rather than a backdrop. It was my father who first introduced me to dowsing, and who shared the significance of the solstice and equinox as pivotal moments within nature’s calendar — times of balance, transition, and celebration.
Christina Odell, CMLI
Chartered Landscape Architect & Founder of Spiritual Gardener
From landscape architecture to sacred space
I later trained and worked as a chartered landscape architect, grounding my practice in strong design principles, practicality, and long-term stewardship of land.
Alongside this, I became increasingly curious about why some places feel nourishing, calm, or quietly powerful — while others feel unsettled or difficult, even when well designed. This question led me beyond conventional approaches and into deeper listening: to land, energy, orientation, and subtle influences.
The Spiritual Gardener Approach
Spiritual Gardener grew organically from working with friends and family — initially clearing and rebalancing spaces that felt “out of alignment.” Over time, this evolved into a synthesis of my two core passions:
- Sound, thoughtful garden and landscape design
- Sacred space creation rooted in listening, respect and balance
The work is always practical and grounded, never imposed. Traditional principles such as right plant, right place remain central, enhanced by geomancy, dowsing, elemental awareness and nature-led design.
How I work
Every site is approached as a conversation rather than a prescription. I work gently, ethically, and with clear intention — observing first, intervening only where appropriate, and always aiming for spaces that feel calm, coherent and supportive to those who live with them.
Clients often describe their gardens as feeling more settled, easier to care for, and more enjoyable to spend time in.
An invitation
If you’re drawn to gardens that feel alive, balanced and quietly nourishing — spaces that support both people and the wider ecosystem — I’d be happy to talk.
Talk to me about your site
If you’re in the South East and would like a grounded conversation about your land and what it needs, get in touch.