These are a small selection of gardens Matthew has designed over the last few years.
Clifton Villas
Drawing inspiration from the house, a white stucco Victorian villa, it was clear this garden deserved an elegant outdoor space with a classical feel. Following landscaping, diamond cut sandstone pathways flank a luxurious sweep of lawn. Specimen trees and sumptuous blossom covered shrubs fill border’s. The owner of this home demanded privacy which is obtained with provision of holly screens and simple classical trellis. A beautiful summer house completes the space.
Rudding Park
Matthew has been working with Rudding Park Hotel since 2009. Winner of multiple awards including ‘Number one Hotel in the UK’ by Tripadvisor, Matthew designed the landscape elements for an extensive new bedroom wing, spa and gym complex as an English country garden, complete with grand herbaceous borders and contemporary ‘garden rooms’.
Matthew has also overseen the renovation of the historic woodland gardens and a new tree planting strategy for the listed landscape, which is attributed to Humphry Repton.
Immediate Media Garden
With a little imagination, gardens can be made in the most inauspicious locations – in this case the car park of the Hammersmith headquarters of Immediate Media. Dominated by high office buildings on all sides, the Tarmac car park received little direct sunlight and of course, had no soil to plant into.
Raised beds were made from new oak railway sleepers, planed and sanded to bring out the grain in the wood. In between these are a series of decked seating/dining/meeting spaces for the use of staff and visitors to the building. A woodland glade style planting, with tall multi stem birch trees and lush foliage plants is set off by convincing fake turf lawn.
Heathgate Garden
The needs of a growing family, with a place for relaxation and zones for children to play were the prerequisites for this garden.
Traditional materials such as English oak, reclaimed brick, traditional Kent peg tiles were used to harmonise with the Arts and Crafts home – the garden once divided into zones, consisted of a large lawned area for ball games, a space for fun full of children’s play equipment, and a peaceful, beautifully planted ‘garden within a garden’. Screens of planting separated the various garden rooms, without creating dense boundaries. Delicate lavenders and alliums bring a sense of tranquility.
Kensington Townhouse
The brief for the gardens of this imposing townhouse on one of the capital’s most desirable streets was to create a front garden with ‘kerb appeal’ that would enhance the setting of the property, add to the quality of the street scene and create a beautiful point of arrival for our client, their family and visitors to the property.
The rear garden has been designed as a living portrait, with a 30m square living wall providing a verdant backdrop. On one axis is a vertical water feature, crafted to give the impression of a stream bed. Lush foliage plants edge the water pool and seating area, creating a relaxing oasis in the heart of the city.
Grosvenor Crescent Roof Terrace
This roof terrace – a relatively small space – was dominated by a six meter high wall with ventilation ducts. To ‘humanise’ the space, pre-grown ivy panels in bespoke containers were used to draw the eye down to a lower level. Antiqued mirror panels help to delineate two discrete areas – a dining space and an informal lounging area.
Two pairs of roof trained Photinia ‘Red Robin’ help to create the illusion that the space is partially under cover, while also combatting the effect of the high wall. Bespoke joinery is used throughout for the planters, built in bench seating and Versailles style containers. Lighting ensures the terrace is a beautiful place to be, day and night.
To talk to Matthew about how he can help you please email matthewwilsongardener@gmail.com
Matthew Wilson - Gardener 