RHS Rewilding Garden

Designed by Michael John McGarr, the RHS and Tatton Park Rewilding Garden explored the beauty and ecological value of naturalistic planting and self-sustaining landscapes.

Created in collaboration with Tatton Park, the 10×10 metre feature encouraged visitors to reconsider the plants often overlooked in traditional gardening and to embrace a more wildlife-friendly approach within their own outdoor spaces.

Rather than imposing a heavily cultivated design, an area of the showground had intentionally been left to grow out naturally during the months leading up to the show. As the season progressed, native species began to reveal themselves, including periwinkles, buttercups, daisies and, by midsummer, vast drifts of clover. The resulting landscape demonstrated one of the project’s key messages: to re-evaluate uncelebrated plants and recognise the hidden beauty found within wild environments.

The garden also highlighted species native to Tatton Park’s wider landscape. Carefully selected planting included sedge, soft rush, spotted orchids, hawthorn, field maple and teasels, all chosen to reflect the site-specific ecology of the area. 

In terms of structures, a dramatic drystone wall constructed from locally quarried sandstone framed the space and contrasted beautifully against hoggin pathways, reclaimed tree stumps and traditional water troughs. These elements grounded the design firmly within the local landscape while reinforcing the garden’s naturalistic and sustainable ethos.

By combining self-managing planting with native species and reduced maintenance requirements, the garden demonstrated how a shift away from highly ornamental gardening could provide a more sustainable and biodiverse future.