About Our Charity

Established in 1911, the NEHS is a charity dedicated to promoting horticulture across the North of England. 

The society stages the prestigious twice-yearly Harrogate Flower Show as a key element of its work in bringing together people and organisations to share and engage in the benefits of horticulture, unique to the north of England. Together, the Spring and Autumn Flower Shows play a central role in the national horticultural calendar.

From specialist plant societies to educational initiatives, the work of the charity also includes the support and sponsorship of a range of independent groups and community programmes, imparting unique horticultural skills and knowledge for future generations.

MEET OUR NEW PRESIDENT

The North of England Horticultural Society (NEHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Wilson as its new President, taking over from Chris Blundell DL in March 2026.

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.

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.