In the world of British horticulture, few names carry as much respect and admiration as Matthew Pottage. Rising from humble beginnings in Yorkshire to become one of the most influential figures in contemporary gardening, Pottage’s journey is both inspiring and remarkable. His career has been defined by passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to connecting people with plants. From being the youngest curator in the history of the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship garden at Wisley, to his current position as Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy at The Royal Parks, his work has left an indelible mark on landscapes, public gardens, and the future of green spaces in the United Kingdom.
Early Life and Inspiration
Matthew Pottage’s love for horticulture began in his childhood in Yorkshire. Growing up surrounded by gardens and the natural world, he developed a fascination for plants that would later shape his entire career. His grandmother’s garden is often cited as one of his earliest inspirations, where he observed not only the beauty of flowers but also the discipline and creativity that gardening required.
His early exposure to plants, soil, and garden design made him realise that horticulture could be more than a hobby—it could be a lifelong vocation. This sense of purpose led him to pursue formal training at Bishop Burton College, one of the country’s well-respected institutions for horticultural studies.
Education and Early Career at Wisley
After completing his initial studies, Matthew Pottage’s potential quickly became apparent when he joined the Royal Horticultural Society’s Wisley Garden as a student. His dedication and talent soon shone through, and he climbed the ranks at impressive speed. Wisley, known as one of the most visited and prestigious gardens in the UK, provided the perfect setting for a young horticulturist eager to learn and innovate.
Alongside practical experience, he continued his academic journey by achieving the RHS Master of Horticulture qualification. Balancing hands-on gardening with rigorous academic study was not easy, yet Pottage thrived in both areas, demonstrating the blend of practical skill and theoretical understanding that would become a hallmark of his career.
Becoming the Youngest Curator of RHS Wisley
One of the most significant milestones in Matthew Pottage’s career came when he was appointed Curator of RHS Wisley. Not only was this a highly respected role within the horticultural community, but he also made history as the youngest person ever to hold the position. This achievement reflected his exceptional ability, creativity, and leadership qualities.
As Curator, he was responsible for the overall development, maintenance, and future planning of the gardens. His role required balancing tradition with innovation, ensuring that Wisley remained true to its heritage while also embracing new ideas that would attract future generations of visitors.
Transforming Wisley Garden
During his time as Curator, Matthew Pottage spearheaded several major projects that transformed Wisley into a modern yet timeless destination. Among his most celebrated contributions were:
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The Exotic Garden: A vibrant space filled with tropical and unusual plants, designed to transport visitors to a different climate.
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Wisteria Walk: A breathtaking avenue that celebrates seasonal beauty with one of the most iconic flowering plants in Britain.
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The Heather Landscape: A project that highlighted the natural beauty of heathers, encouraging visitors to appreciate this often-overlooked plant.
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The Orchid House: A dedicated space showcasing rare and delicate orchids, demonstrating Pottage’s belief in blending scientific value with public enjoyment.
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The Clear Lake and Piet Oudolf Landscape: A bold and ambitious initiative that included rainwater capture and the creation of a landscape designed by the internationally acclaimed Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf.
These projects showcased Pottage’s forward-thinking approach, combining horticultural expertise with environmental sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
Leadership and People Skills
Beyond the gardens themselves, Matthew Pottage demonstrated outstanding leadership. At Wisley, he oversaw more than 100 staff members and coordinated the efforts of around 150 volunteers. He emphasised that horticulture is not just about plants, but also about people—the gardeners, students, and enthusiasts who dedicate themselves to nurturing landscapes.
Colleagues and volunteers often praised his ability to motivate teams, encourage creativity, and provide opportunities for professional growth. His leadership style was collaborative and inspiring, making him a figure many admired both inside and outside of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Moving to The Royal Parks
In June 2024, Matthew Pottage took on a new and highly influential role as Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy at The Royal Parks. This position represents one of the most significant horticultural leadership roles in the country, as it oversees more than 5,000 acres of historic parkland across London. These include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, and even heritage sites such as Brompton Cemetery.
In this role, Pottage is responsible for developing long-term horticultural strategies, ensuring that these vital green spaces remain accessible, sustainable, and inspiring for millions of visitors. His vision includes creating new landscapes, restoring historic areas, and integrating modern environmental practices to tackle challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and urbanisation.
Signature Projects in The Royal Parks
Since taking on his new role, Matthew Pottage has already begun influencing key projects. Among them are:
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Landscape restoration in Richmond and Bushy Parks, focusing on biodiversity and heritage conservation.
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A flagship commemorative garden in Regent’s Park, honouring Queen Elizabeth II and designed to serve as a space of reflection and remembrance.
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Sustainable water management practices, inspired by his earlier work at Wisley with rainwater collection systems.
These projects demonstrate his ability to think strategically while also paying close attention to detail, ensuring that every green space he oversees provides both ecological value and human enjoyment.
Author and Public Communicator
In addition to his practical and strategic roles, Matthew Pottage has made significant contributions as a communicator. He is a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, where he shares his expertise with a wide audience. His approachable and knowledgeable style makes complex horticultural issues accessible to everyday listeners.
In 2022, he published his book How to Garden When You Rent, which offers practical advice for people who want to garden but may not have permanent access to land. The book reflects his inclusive philosophy—that gardening should be for everyone, not just those with large gardens or permanent homes.
He also contributes to gardening magazines, appears in interviews, and engages actively with the public, spreading the message that horticulture is not only a science and art but also a vital part of human wellbeing.
Broader Influence in the Horticultural World
Matthew Pottage is also connected to several other respected institutions. He serves on the Gardens Committee of Chelsea Physic Garden, one of the oldest botanic gardens in London, and is a trustee of Fulham Palace. These positions allow him to influence the future of multiple historic and cultural landscapes across the capital.
His involvement demonstrates a broad commitment to horticulture—not limited to one organisation but spanning multiple institutions that collectively shape the United Kingdom’s green heritage.
A Personal Philosophy of Gardening
What makes Matthew Pottage’s career especially compelling is not just his achievements, but his philosophy. For him, horticulture is about much more than plants. It is about creating experiences, preserving heritage, fostering biodiversity, and inspiring people. He believes in striking a balance between tradition and innovation, ensuring that gardens both honour the past and embrace the future.
He also emphasises the role of gardens in wellbeing, recognising that time spent among plants and green spaces can significantly improve mental health, reduce stress, and foster community connections.
The Future of Matthew Pottage’s Work
As he continues his work with The Royal Parks and beyond, Matthew Pottage is expected to remain a leading voice in shaping the future of public horticulture. His blend of experience, vision, and passion ensures that he will keep driving innovation in sustainable garden design, urban green space management, and public engagement with horticulture.
With climate change and urban pressures presenting new challenges, his role becomes more vital than ever. His leadership is not only about maintaining beauty in public gardens but also about creating resilient ecosystems that will endure for generations.
Conclusion
Matthew Pottage stands as a symbol of modern horticulture in the United Kingdom. From his early inspirations in Yorkshire to his groundbreaking role at RHS Wisley and his current position shaping the landscapes of London’s Royal Parks, he has consistently demonstrated creativity, leadership, and vision.
His legacy lies not just in the gardens he has built and restored, but in the people he has inspired—gardeners, students, and everyday visitors who experience the joy of green spaces because of his work. Whether through his public speaking, his book, or his leadership, he has shown that horticulture is not merely about plants, but about people, culture, and the environment.
