The North of England Horticultural Society (NEHS) has said it is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Wilson as its new President, taking over from Chris Blundell DL in March 2026. The Society has extended itsthanks to Chris for his dedicated leadership and invaluable contribution over the years.
Established in 1911, the NEHS is a charity dedicated to promoting horticulture across the North of England. It supports and finances the work of specialist societies and volunteer groups, providing platforms to showcase knowledge and skills, while also promoting charitable horticultural organisations and a range of educational opportunities. The Society’s Spring Show, first held in 1920, gave northern growers their own independent platform outside the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), while the Autumn Flower Show, launched in the 1970s as the ‘Great Autumn Flower Show,’ has become a pivotal celebration of the season’s successes. Together, these shows play a central role in the national horticultural calendar.
Matthew Wilson brings nearly 30 years of experience as an award-winning garden and landscape designer. He has worked on projects ranging from intimate city gardens to large country estates across the UK and Europe, including the Roof Top Garden at Rudding Park. Matthew is a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time and a long-time Show Garden judge at the Spring Flower Show. He is known for designs that combine creativity with sustainability, and his work has earned accolades including the People’s Choice Award at RHS Chelsea and Gold at the Shenzhen Flower Show.
Nick Smith, NEHS Show Director said:
Matthew’s vision, creativity, and commitment to horticultural excellence make him an outstanding choice to lead NEHS into its next chapter.
Alongside our Patron, HRH King Charles III, we look forward to Matthew inspiring new audiences and continuing to champion horticulture across the north of England.
He will attend the Spring Flower Show, 23–26 April at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre, continuing his long-standing role as a show garden judge. The event showcases blooms and horticultural expertise, attracting visitors and exhibitors from across the region and celebrating the very best of northern gardening.
