About Us
We are proud to be your Garden Committee democratically elected by you the proprietors
Background
I am a chartered clinical psychologist, coach, trainer and regular speaker on the conference circuit. I developed an international leadership programme and also launched an accredited coaching school for executive coaches.
I was a presenter for 5 years on a nightly television news programme and have written eight books, one of which provided the basis for BBC2’s six-part documentary ‘Confidence Lab’.
I lived in London apartments for 20 years with a series of window boxes and if lucky, a small patio. The urge to return to Scotland and have a garden was a strong one and so while on holiday I read that 20 Grosvenor Crescent was for sale, not only with a garden but even better, a communal garden. My husband and I bought it without seeing it and have never regretted the move.
My vision
I have been fervent about everyone having a say about what goes on in the gardens as when I first arrived there was nothing. I would like to be an advocate on the committee of arranging events for all to enjoy on a regular basis while also being aware that many proprietors I have spoken to, want peace and tranquillity. I don’t think this is an ‘either or’ as the Crescent gardens are large enough to accommodate both.
What I can contribute to the Garden Committee
- Creativity and problem solving. I have written a book on the subject and believe that I can help facilitate discussions to positive outcomes
- Team building. One of my main accomplishments is building teams for success.
- Colour. I am very keen to bring more colour to the gardens with flowers, bushes and herbs and I am more than happy to help with planting.
- Listening. I’m keen to listen to all proprietors’ voices and ideas about how to run our gardens successfully and accommodate their desires.
So in summary I stand for Fun, Flowers, and Friendships
Ros Taylor
Chair
Background
I moved into the crescent in 2022 from the Merchiston/Morningside area of Edinburgh where I had lived for over 30 years.
My husband, Paul and I have 2 grown-up children who live in London. I have had an enjoyable career in Human Resource Management and Organisational Development in FTSE 200 Companies ranging from banking and finance to heavy industry.
My main focus has been shaping Board strategy in the development of talent, culture and employee engagement in the context of a regulated and unionised environment with tight governance requirements.
I currently undertake contract work which allows me to be flexible around my work on the Board of a charity and voluntary work with another, supporing their people management among other community development aciviites.
My vision
I believe the Gardens are pivotal in creating a strong and enjoyable community where people can meet and enjoy the shared space while respecting their historical importance and undertaking our role as ‘caretakers’. I am an advocate of this being achieved in in a democratic, open and inclusive manner in the context of appropriate governance.
I believe my background in people management, working with companies to facilitate the creation of inclusive and engaging environments within governance frameworks together with my charity work fits well with and hopefully augments the roles within the Committee.
As a member of the Garden Committee for almost a year I believe I have contributed constructively and in a democratic fashion. As part of this I worked collaboratively with other members of the Committee to deliver significant improvements and will continue to do so
Catherine Ilett
Background
I'm a Professor at the University of Edinburgh, where I contribute to teaching and the management of postgraduate education. Through this role, I have gained extensive experience in running and contributing to a range of committees.
Outside of work, I have a long-standing interest in horticulture, gardening, and the environmental value of cultivated urban landscapes.
I have previously served on the Learmonth Garden Committee where I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for the heritage and character of Edinburgh gardens.
I feel genuinely fortunate that we are custodians of such a remarkable Victorian-era space. Its architectural setting, botanical richness, and historical significance deserve careful stewardship. I am committed to ensuring that the garden is both preserved and thoughtfully enhanced for future generations.
As a keen gardener, I have a solid understanding of plants, their characteristics, and how they interact with the environment. I am interested in the Long-Term Perspective I’d like to think I bring a future-focused outlook grounded in sustainability, accessibility, and evolving community values that bring us together. I’m passionate about generating broader community representation and I aim to offer a fresh voice that supports a wider range of ages and perspectives, ensuring decisions are inclusive and transparent. I believe I can help strengthen and unify the community by breaking down barriers and bringing people together around our garden.
My vision
I would love to have a garden that all proprietors can enjoy together. I believe the committee exists to serve our community and to ensure that proprietors receive excellent value for money.
I don’t think radical change is needed, rather, I will focus on improving garden maintenance and championing community gardening initiatives for those who wish to get involved.
These activities will help increase planting, strengthen biodiversity, and bring more colour and interest to our beautiful shared space. They will also help bring us together as a community, and I believe we need to be more focused on our community’s wellbeing.
Sarah Henderson
Secretary
Background
A retired accounting professional with extensive experience in financial management, operational support & governance within both commercial and charitable sectors. My career has been shaped by attention to detail, and a commitment to robust governance and efficient financial practices. Most recently, I served as an accountant for a large local charity, where I supported budget oversight, compliance, and process improvement, ensuring resources were used responsibly and with absolute transparency to our stakeholders.
Since retiring, I have continued to use my skills to community and charitable initiatives. In 2025 I joined the Grosvenor & Lansdowne Gardens Committee, as the treasurer, with the aim of supporting its work and helping to enhance the beautiful space we are lucky to share.
I immediately introduced an independently audited accounts process without incurring any costs. I believe there are many meaningful opportunities to improve the gardens while remaining value focused. My background in financial stewardship allows me to identify efficient approaches that balance creativity with the responsibility expected of a garden committee treasurer.
My vision
I value collaboration and would look forward to working constructively and amicably with the newly elected committee. A key priority for me is helping the gardens evolve into a more welcoming, engaging, and enjoyable space for all residents.
I hope to contribute to a positive shift in garden perception by fostering a shared environment that encourages community involvement, enjoyment, and pride.
Overall, I offer a blend of professional financial expertise, community-oriented service, and a thoughtful approach to improvement. I am committed to supporting the committee’s goals and ensuring the gardens thrive as a vibrant and well-maintained communal space.
Ross Robertson
Treasurer
Background
I retired to the Crescents in June 2023 and have been actively involved in the gardens since being co-opted onto the Committee in April 2024 then elected in December 2025. I have always loved trees, gardens and gardening, so I saw this as an opportunity to continue that passion.
My enthusiasm is evident starting the community gardening and street cleaning activities. These I would be looking to grow to be more regular events, whilst still being steered by professional gardeners.
I have been heavily involved with the trees, setting up an inventory and then recording the maintenance recommendations from the professionals and the actions taken. This is really important to ensure our insurance is valid and that proprietors are protected.
I have also been responsible for considerably reducing the arrears on bills. This is largely through a positive engagement with proprietors. I have been a supporter of the group trying to bring in the new constitution and to modernise our way of working, while recognising the concerns of some about the change: that journey continues.
I have also founded, with Jonathan Baxter in the Cathedral, a group that brings together most of the gardens in the West End to share learnings and experience. I am also a member of the West End Community Council.
My vision
I’m genuinely excited about the energy we’ve already started to build through our community gardening and street cleaning activities. These moments of coming together feel like the beginning of something special. My vision is to grow these into regular, welcoming events, always supported and guided by professional gardeners, so that everyone, whether experienced or just curious, can feel part of shaping our shared space.
I truly believe our gardens haven’t yet reached their full potential, or the splendour they once had. With care, consistency, and a shared sense of pride, we can transform them into a colourful, peaceful haven that brings people together. A place where neighbours can relax, connect, and enjoy the simple beauty of nature right on their doorstep.
Alongside this, I’ve been deeply involved in caring for our trees. By creating a full inventory and carefully recording professional maintenance recommendations and completed work, we’re building a solid foundation for their long-term health. This isn’t just about organization, it’s about responsibility. Proper care ensures we meet insurance requirements, protect residents, and safeguard the environment we all value.
Looking ahead, I want us to take a proactive approach: maintaining and, where needed, replacing trees thoughtfully so that we continue to enjoy a thriving, tree-lined garden. More importantly, it’s about legacy, passing on an even more beautiful, greener space to the next generation than the one we inherited.
Together, we can create something lasting, vibrant, and truly shared.
Richard Spalding
Head Gardener
Our Mission and Vision
Our Mission is to serve the proprietors. The Garden Committee will care for, develop, and protect the community garden as a shared green space that brings residents together, supports wellbeing, and encourages sustainable gardening practices through collaboration, inclusion, and stewardship.
Our vision is for a well-maintained, environmentally resilient community garden that is managed collaboratively, governed fairly, and valued by all proprietors.
We aim to protect the garden’s heritage, long-term health, meet our legal and safety responsibilities, and foster a spirit of cooperation, respect, and shared ownership within the community.
Governance Documents
We value your data and we are committed to protecting it. We are ICO registered
Our Health & Safely Policy and Risk Assessment help keep everyone safe in the Garden
Please use this policy for any feedback or complaints. All information will be treated in confidence
