The Man with the Midas Touch

Gareth Wilson has added four more RHS gold medals to his impressive collection.

After a whirlwind few months that saw him scoop four gold medals at the prestigious RHS Chelsea and Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Shows in May and July, you’d expect Gareth Wilson to be taking a well-earned break. But when we catch up with the man behind Glossop’s G.K Wilson Landscaping and Business Consultants, now the proud holder of 14 RHS gold medals, he’s already knee-deep planning the gardens for next year’s shows.  

“RHS Chelsea is the pinnacle,” Gareth tells us. “It’s by far the most prestigious flower show in the world. Every night for a week it’s broadcast on BBC primetime and very few Northerners get to exhibit there. It’s intense, but if you’re going to do one show, that’s the one.” 

Gareth first participated in 2017 and has returned every year since, playing a central role in numerous standout projects. This year, he was invited by four separate designers to project manage the construction of their gardens - a testament to the respect and reputation he’s earned. An author and columnist for several leading trade publications, a former industry expert on a BBC consumer rights programme, and recipient of the prestigious ProLandscaper Award for Most Influential Landscaper, it’s no surprise he remains in high demand. 

“The shows are a massive process,” he explains. “Sponsors approach the RHS with a theme and set a budget. From there, designers develop a concept and it’s my job to bring that vision to life. Every garden must follow a strict 16-question brief, covering things like who the garden is intended for and what it aims to achieve. This year, I was also involved in writing the complex briefs for all four gardens I worked on.” 

The first was the British Red Cross ‘Here for Humanity’ Garden (below), an Alpine-themed space inspired by Red Cross founder Henri Dunant and the volunteers who support those in crisis. Designed by John Warland and Tom Bannister, and built by close friend Matthew Beasley of Luxe Exteriors, it earned a well-deserved Gold. 

Next came ‘The Garden of the Future’ sponsored by the Gates Foundation (below). Set in a near-future world, it explored climate resilience and innovation in agriculture. “It had a sustainable round earth office building, featuring a prototype waterless toilet that converts human waste into biochar and filters urine to water the plants” Gareth explained. Designed by Mathew Butler and Josh Parker, it also took Gold. 

For this build, Gareth brought in former employee and close friend Mitchell Salthouse of Glossop-based Everest Garden Landscapes, along with trusted collaborator Herman Ermal Pobrati from Acacia Gardens. “Herman’s wife was pregnant, so we appointed two lead landscapers in case he had to dash off mid-build!” Gareth shared. 

The third garden was designed by good friend and TV personality Manoj Malde of ‘Your Garden Made Perfect’ and sponsored by ViiV Healthcare (below). Designed to tackle stigma around HIV, it featured symbolic sculptures, hexagonal paving to mimic molecular structures in HIV medication, and inspirational phrases etched throughout. Gareth worked alongside Justin Himpson from JJH Landscapes and Els Tisserand from Tisserand English Garden - both close friends and trusted landscapers. It won Silver Gilt. 

The fourth, ‘The SongBird Survival Garden’, was designed by award-winning friend Nicola Oakey (below). It aimed to raise awareness of the charity SongBird Survival and its efforts to protect Britain’s declining songbird population. Gareth hand-picked his son-in-law Rupert Crowton - currently expecting a child with Gareth’s daughter Savanna - to lead the build, and the garden received a Silver Gilt.  

The iconic RHS Chelsea may get the BBC screentime, but RHS Wentworth Woodhouse held in July is just as prestigious and was another major win for Gareth and his team. 

There, Gareth reunited with Paul Hervey-Brookes, one of the most respected garden designers in the world: “We first worked together in 2015 winning Best in Show and Best Construction at RHS Tatton, and we’ve collaborated ever since.” 

Together, they created the RNIB sponsored ‘Legacy Garden’ - a tactile space that explored the experience of living with sight loss (below). “The brief was to allow the public to experience how it feels to move through the world with reduced vision” explained Gareth. 

The team once again featured those in his trusted circle: Mitchell as lead, alongside Rupert and Justin, with Adam Worrall from PrecisionScapes (another former employee) and Henry Wardley of HG Gardens.  

With sustainability in mind materials were sourced from across the UK, from world-renowned Penrhyn Welsh Slate to locally supplied timber from Conway’s in Glossop. The garden’s immersive sensory design featured paths of varying texture prompting visitors to consider the challenges faced by those with limited vision. 

“Everything was bespoke,” says Gareth. “We hand-cut the rough slate crusts to form an uneven path, so you really had to think about every step - just like someone with sight loss would.” 

The garden also featured innovative ‘sight pods’, through which visitors could experience it from the perspective of those with degenerative eye disease. Ducking under them led to a reclaimed oak platform crafted by local carpenters Glen and Jack Copeland, who Gareth describes as “absolutely amazing” saying, “People check with me to see if I’m using them at a show, because if not they want to book them!” 

Thanks to outstanding craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, the garden was deservedly awarded Gold for Best Show Garden and Best Construction. 

So what happens to the gardens after the show?: “I never stay for the dismantling,” Gareth admits. “It’s a bit heart-breaking. You put everything into the build and it’s hard to watch it come down.” 

Driven by a strong commitment to sustainability, many elements of the gardens are reused or donated: “When Glossopdale School was rebuilt, we gifted several semi-mature trees, and some of the plants have ended up in my neighbour’s garden!” 

Gareth’s expertise extends far beyond building gardens. Hailed as one of landscaping’s most leading individuals, he’s currently helping to shape the future of the industry as a BALI (British Association of Landscaping Industries) Awards judge, a contributor to a British Standards document (“It was an incredible honour to have been asked”) and a qualified trainer, mentor, assessor and lecturer. 

His most recent project is a collaboration with his own mentor, Alan Sargent - recognised as one of the UK’s top 25 most influential landscapers - on a unique online resource hub dedicated entirely to paving: www.paving.site 

“Alan has taught me a hell of a lot,” says Gareth. “This is something I’m really proud of and want to keep developing.” 

As if that wasn’t enough, Gareth is also an accredited and registered mediator and expert witness, frequently commissioned to prepare court-compliant reports for landscaping disputes. So, when asked about the state of his own garden, it’s unsurprising to hear there are a few outstanding jobs: “I don’t have the time or energy!” he laughs. “I do jet-wash the patio though!” 

Will he ever hang up his spade? “I’ve suffered with a bit of burnout recently” Gareth admits. “Towards the end of the season at Wentworth Woodhouse I needed to step back and I’m very thankful that Mitchell stepped up and took over. He was incredible. I still want to build for a few more years but physically it’s tough, so I’ll slowly start to reign things in.” 

He adds, “A heartfelt thanks to my whole team. Designers deservedly get the glory – but it’s also thanks to the landscapers who make their visions come alive.” 

As for next year? Gareth is already planning a new garden with Rupert. “We’re looking at something for Chelsea and another two’ he teases. “That’s all I can say for now!” 

After more than a decade at the top of his game, Gareth remains modest. “You never know where life’s going to take you. I’m just happy doing what I do - plodding on.” 

Having achieved 14 gold medals, continually in high demand and with a growing legacy, it’s fair to say that Gareth’s version of ‘plodding’ is anything but ordinary. 

Below: Mitchell Salthouse and Gareth Wilson.