Blakedown Landscapes has completed the RHS’s first Greener Skills Garden at RHS Garden Wisley, acting as Principal Contractor on the outdoor learning space.
The garden will showcase sustainable gardening practices and support hands-on education and training for the next generation of horticulturists.
Developed by the RHS Science and New Shoots teams and designed by award-winning garden designer Dave Green, the scheme brings together sustainability, public engagement and vocational training in a fully accessible space.
Image: RHS - Lee Charlton
Blakedown delivered the landscape construction for the garden, transforming a sloping site into a series of accessible, structured learning zones. Bulk earthworks reshaped the site, with all excavated materials retained and reused to support a circular construction approach.
Key hard landscape works included the installation of self-binding gravel and grano dust footpaths, reclaimed concrete flag paving, retaining walls, and oak raised beds clad in galvanised steel. The scope also included edging details, fencing, gates and timber posts to define quiet areas. A new polytunnel and supporting infrastructure for drainage, water storage and composting systems formed part of the contract, including enabling works for the RHS’s first composting toilet.
Surface water from across the site is directed into a newly constructed wildlife pond and Wisley’s first rain garden. Both features act as live teaching tools for sustainable water management.
Chris Wellbelove, Managing Director, Blakedown Landscapes said “It has been a pleasure to return to RHS Garden Wisley to help realise the vision for the Greener Skills Garden. This is a space with real purpose, designed to inspire, educate and promote sustainable gardening through practical, hands-on experience. It reflects many of the values we hold at Blakedown: quality construction, thoughtful delivery and creating landscapes that support both people and the planet. We’re proud to have continued our partnership with the RHS on such a meaningful project.”
