FOUR EASY WAYS TO TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN – INSPIRED BY AWARD WINNING 2025 RHS PROJECT
3 September 2025
Award-winning landscaper says a 1970s throwback made a surprise return at this year’s RHS shows
Gareth Wilson, who won Gold at this month’s RHS Wentworth Woodhouse for the RNIB Legacy Garden project, says sustainable materials are also becoming ever more popular
The RNIB project focussed on sensory and inclusive experiences - a trend Wilson expects to grow and grow in the months ahead
A landscaper, who has recently taken part in constructing a multi-award winning garden at the RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse has predicted the garden trends set to take off following this summer’s events season – which include a 1970s throwback.
Gareth Wilson was recognised for his work alongside renowned horticultural designer Paul Hervey-Brookes at this year’s show, where they created the RNIB Legacy Garden, in partnership with the charity. Designed to be a rich sensory experience, the garden invited people without visual impairments to experience the world through the eyes of someone with sight loss.
In addition to winning a Gold medal, the project was also awarded Best Show Garden and Best Construction in a Show Garden.
‘Lifting the whole garden with crazy paving’
According to Wilson, there’s only one place to start when it comes to landscaping trends that cropped up time and again in 2025 RHS shows: crazy paving.
The design technique – using broken or irregularly shaped stone – first became popular in the 1970s, but faded away soon after. Wilson says that’s now changing: “Back in the day it used to get a bad rep, but I’ve always said it would come back in fashion.
“Designers are avoiding the mistakes of past decades and making sure there’s a much classier feel – with nice, tight gaps and natural stone lifting the whole garden.”
Wilson believes the resurgence of crazy paving will continue into domestic gardens, but stresses that the choice of material is key to getting the look right:
“The UK has some of the best natural stone – like Welsh Slate – and it’s definitely got to be the go-to in any crazy paving design.”
Welsh Slate, produced from Breedon's Penrhyn Quarry, was donated to the RNIB Legacy Garden and is prized for strength, natural texture, and a 3,000-year heritage of craftsmanship.
Mixing it up: Texture, contrast and visual interest
This year's shows have also seen growing interest in blending materials and textures – a trend showcased in the RNIB Legacy Garden and echoed across several RHS exhibits this season.
“What we’re seeing is a real appreciation for mixed textures and aggregate blends – not just for looks, but for function,” Wilson said.
For the RNIB Legacy garden, smaller slate chippings, natural slate floor tiles, and Breedon Golden Amber Gravel were combined to create visual contrast, improve navigation for those with impaired vision, and add character to the space. These combinations help define areas within a garden while maintaining flow and cohesion – making them ideal for gardeners, landscapers and homeowners looking to add interest and practicality.
Wilson said that colour contrast is also becoming more deliberate in garden design, adding: “Contrasting shades – whether it’s light and dark stone, or the interplay between soft planting and hard landscaping – help people read a garden more easily and add a contemporary edge.”
A sustainable focus for 2025
Wilson, who has worked on RHS Flower Show gardens since 2012, says sustainability has been another major theme this season, and one that anyone can take inspiration from: “There’s definitely a focus on creating gardens that use more regionally and locally-sourced materials. That has been a theme throughout all of the RHS shows, but clearly that is then going to translate into everyday life.”
Wilson suggests that people will now start thinking more about where material has come from, and then making design choices around that. He says we are already seeing an increase in UK products being used for domestic gardens: “Limestone is a typical example of something that is produced in this country, and is without doubt the best in the world.
“White Limestone, such as that from Dowlow Quarry in Buxton, is very en vogue and produces that superior finish.”
Another aspect of sustainable landscaping gaining attention is the use of water-permeable surfaces – a practical response to growing concerns about water run-off and flash flooding. These materials, which allow rainwater to soak into the ground rather than overwhelming drainage systems, are increasingly being incorporated into RHS garden designs.
‘Smooth yet sturdy’: Breedon Golden Amber accessible gravel
Wilson also points to both social inclusivity and accessibility as an important thread running through RHS designs this year, including the RNIB Legacy Garden.
The project incorporated Breedon Golden Amber Gravel – the only material of its kind to hold a Royal Warrant, and which has a smooth yet sturdy surface making it ideal for wheelchair users and buggies.
Wilson said the product was “unique, versatile and perfect for a wide variety of home gardening projects”.
And with warmer summers and more people spending time outdoors, seating areas are taking centre stage – a trend Wilson expects to take root at home.
He said: “We’re social animals, and it’s great to see gardens focusing on inclusivity – whether that’s through shared seating areas, more accessible gravel for wheelchairs and prams, or gardens like our project with the RNIB, which is designed to be enjoyed by those with visual impairments.”
Breedon Golden Amber Gravel and many of Welsh Slate hard landscaping materials are available to buy online with nationwide delivery here.
