About
Matthew Wilson is Head Designer and Managing Director at Matthew Wilson Gardens. He has almost 30 years experience in the horticulture and garden design industry, with a decade spent in senior roles at the Royal Horticultural Society. He is a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4s Gardeners’ Question Time.
Established in 2016 and based in rural Rutland, Matthew Wilson Gardens (MWG) design and project manage landscape and garden schemes across the UK and Europe, working with domestic and corporate clients.
Since setting up the practice Matthew has designed many gardens and landscapes for private clients, from London courtyards to country estates. Recent work includes a 1.5 acre walled garden in Northumberland and a ‘country garden in the city’ in Highbury, North London.
For corporate clients Matthew has worked across the commercial, hospitality and heritage sectors with clients such as Bettys & Taylors Group in Harrogate, Rudding Park Hotel & Spa and Portman Estates in London.
Matthew sums up the practice ethos: “Every project is unique and requires an individual response, to ensure that client needs are met, but also to fulfil the full potential of a site.
This encompasses aspects such as the practical needs of the client, maximising the potential of the garden setting, respecting the local vernacular and utilising innovative approaches to outdoor living to ensure the finished garden delivers not just useability but also the maximum amount of pleasure. We believe that gardens should always be joyful.”
Environmental considerations are at the heart of Matthew’s vision; from the re-use or ‘upcycling’ of materials and waste reduction, to following the credo of ‘right plant for the right place’ to reduce the need for interventions such as irrigation. For all the joy gardens can bring humans, they can and should always benefit biodiversity and the planet.
Matthew’s work has featured in numerous publications including House & Gardens, Gardens Illustrated, The English Garden and Country Living. Matthew’s 2016 Garden for Yorkshire won the prestigious ‘People’s Choice Award’ at Chelsea Flower Show, and in March 2022 his garden ‘Home’ won the Gold Award at Shenzhen Flower Show.
Alongside Matthew’s main work as a landscape designer he has been a regular panelist on Radio 4’s Gardeners Question Time since 2009 and writes extensively in the media.
Matthew also lectures around the country, is a regular speaker at after dinner and corporate events and has hosted many award ceremonies.
