Sole designer and Nursery propagation specialist for Borneo Exotics (PVT) Ltd. 

Diana has over 25 years of experience in garden design, as a Director of Borneo Exotics (Pvt) Ltd promoting ‘Conservation Through Cultivation’. She has developed her expertise in plant propagation and hybridization of highly specialized endangered plant species, as well as being heavily involved in HR matters attending to some ninety members of staff.

Working from her base in Sri Lanka she has honed her garden design skills having created exhibits at prestigious international horticultural events, achieving many gold medal and special awards. Her knowledge and fascination of plants has broadened, whilst liaising with Kew gardens management in the tropical houses. Her designs for The Chelsea Flower Show, became training grounds for junior Kew staff, which took Diana back to her roots in teaching.

Early Days

The most poignant memories of School days in Cornwall at Les Filles de La Croix Convent were the dominant rhododendron trees and camellias, which brought joy to Spring days. It was whispered they’d been collected from the Himalayas. The thought of distant lands with exotic plants fired Diana’s imagination.

 Spring was heralded with the intense mauves of azaleas, verges burgeoning with the blue of  grape hyacinths and the diminutive cyclamen in shades of pink sprinkled with white. It was a real feast for young impressionable eyes.

A childhood in sub-tropical Cornwall with sailing and an abundance of visits to National Trust Gardens and cliff walks, propagated the love of nature and an awareness of the dramatic environmental contrasts.

Foreays Abroad

A career in teaching physical education, specializing in contemporary dance and drama with biology, took her to a plethora of countries.

Africa called with 14 years in Kenya, with time in Zanzibar and 2 years in South Africa.

Diana was CEO of her own childrens’ safari company during her stay in Kenya.

The Middle East beckoned for 4 years.

Then back to her European roots teaching in Ibiza.

Currently in her 25th year in Sri Lanka, as Director of Borneo Exotics (Pvt) Ltd.

Diana’s horticultural knowledge and expertise in design has led to her working at ‘Gardens By The Bay’ ‘Singapore project consulting at it’s initiation stages in 2010 and again in 2024 with recommendations for plant installations.

Singapore Botanical Gardens cool house consultant.

She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in plant diversity, having personally experienced their natural habitats. Including deserts in the UAE, Savannah and montane forests in Kenya and South Africa, Wet zones, dry zones, montane and lowland coastal areas in Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra. Drought resistant plants of Australia.

The Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Shows, were an amazing experience, a coming together of like-minded, amazingly talented, creative colleagues, all passionate about plants.

I enjoy working with a team and coordinating events, culminating in creating something of beauty to be enjoyed for future generations and to enhance the health of our planet. I am a firm believer in leading by example.

I have a genuine passion for creating wonderful spaces, for all those visiting to experience the welcome relief that plants can bring into our lives. To escape from the stresses of everyday life and commune with the ever changing plants.

 Your garden is a living thing, it is a marvelous experience to watch it mature, as the individual plants mesh and blend, to create one whole together. A garden is a journey in nature with the added bonus of it’s accompanying wildlife.

I envision every garden as a personal sanctuary that captures the essence of your lifestyle while offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of everyday life. Picture stepping into your outdoor paradise, where soft rays of sunlight filter through a canopy of climbing vines, vibrant bougainvillea cascades over elegant trellises, and aromatic herbs create a sensory delight. Imagine cozy seating areas thoughtfully designed for intimate gatherings or serene moments of reflection, framed by a tapestry of colourful blooms and textured foliage.

I am committed to bringing your vision to life with meticulous attention to detail. To that end I am following further studies in garden design with the KLC school of Design Chelsea.

Let’s embark on this exciting adventure together, where your garden dreams can blossom into reality. I’m eager to collaborate closely with you to design a breathtaking Mediterranean sanctuary that not only enhances your property, but also enriches your life, creating an outdoor haven for relaxation and enjoyment for many years to come. Thank you for considering me, as your partner in this journey together to bring new life to your property!