A Tale of Two Gardens: Hyde Hall, Essex & Harlow Carr, Harrogate with Matthew Wilson

In this engaging talk, A Tale of Two Gardens, Matthew Wilson reflects on his time managing two of the UK’s most iconic RHS gardens — Hyde Hall in Essex and Harlow Carr in Harrogate — offering a behind-the-scenes look at the contrasting challenges, opportunities and transformations of these beloved public spaces.

During his tenure with the Royal Horticultural Society, Matthew played a key role in shaping both gardens, bringing his creative vision, practical experience and deep understanding of landscape design to the fore. At Hyde Hall, he oversaw significant developments on a dry, windy hilltop site, turning it into a flourishing garden showcasing drought-tolerant planting and innovative design. In contrast, Harlow Carr in Yorkshire, with its cooler, wetter climate, demanded a different approach — one that embraced its naturalistic setting and northern heritage.

Gardeners attending this talk will come away with a wealth of practical insights, from plant selection and design ideas to adapting planting schemes to different conditions and making the most of your garden’s microclimate. Matthew will share the design principles, planting strategies and maintenance techniques that worked — and those that didn’t — in these two very different environments, providing valuable takeaways for gardens of all sizes.

Matthew Wilson is a well-respected garden designer, writer, broadcaster and lecturer.  He runs his own garden and landscape design practice – Matthew Wilson Gardens (MWG) – working on a wealth of projects ranging from domestic garden schemes to master planning for commercial, heritage and hospitality clients.

Matthew has designed award-winning gardens at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, including Welcome To Yorkshire’s 2016 garden ‘God’s Own Country’, which won the coveted People’s Choice Award.

When not designing gardens, Matthew writes extensively in the media. He has been a panelist on Radio 4’s Gardeners Question Time since 2009 and is a regular contributor to the Financial Times.

www.matthewwilsongardens.com

Authentically Irish-made country clothing by Taniya Deane, designed to celebrate Ireland’s rich cultural heritage while promoting sustainability and supporting local artisans. This collection is inspired by traditional Irish country attire, infused with modern designs and produced using sustainable materials. Our aim is to preserve the essence of Ireland’s rural fashion traditions while contributing to Ireland’s local economy and positioning our products as premium Irish-made apparel in the global market. Set in the courtyard of Duckett’s Grove.

The Carlow countryside has long been known for its distinct and practical clothing, rooted in rural life and farming communities. Garments such as tweed jackets, waxed cotton coats, and woollen jumpers have become symbols of durability, craftsmanship, and heritage and are sold from the Red Admiral by Tanyia Deane’s beautiful shop set within the courtyard of Duckett’s Grove in one of the original farm buildings.

Tanyia Deane aims to reinvigorate this tradition by collaborating with local weavers, designers, and manufacturers to create a collection that is truly Irish from concept to creation. By embracing environmentally responsible methods, we will ensure that the clothing not only reflects Ireland’s past but also aligns with its future.

In the courtyard of Duckett’s Grove is also Nic Angels Candles who individually hand – craft marble, fragrance-free, Irish-made dinner candles creating unique patterns on each. They also hand paint glass candle holders to accompany their candles. Their attractive craft unit at Duckett’s Grove features a selection of gift ideas from other crafters. Bespoke service also available.

Tea, coffee and pastries are served from the horse box trailer in Duckett’s Grove.