Will Williams – RHS Chelsea Flower Show Q&A

Can you tell us a bit about your design background?

I left school at 16 to begin my career within the industry. I began working for a landscaping firm in London for a few years before deciding to study Horticulture, this is where my passion for design first ignited. I then went on to study at The London College of Garden Design, based in Kew Gardens and this is where I learnt to see and think as a designer.

I started Will Williams Garden Design in 2016, directly after graduating, now seven years on we undertake projects across the U.K, overseas and have won several RHS Medals along with the RHS Young Designer of The Year competition.

What makes the RHS Chelsea Flower Show so special?

I first visited the RHS Chelsea Flower Show at 15, for me, it was where I first understood what garden design was. I was totally amazed with what could be created and how a space could be put together in such an engaging way.

What’s your inspiration behind the design for the Gaze Burvill Garden?

I wanted to design a space that captures the reality of a home, to ensure the space felt lived in and welcoming. The structure provides the perfect entertaining area to spend time with friends and family, whilst the moodier boundaries create the perfect backdrop to the raw timber of the furniture. The neutral tones of the hard landscaping complement the soft mature planting. I hope to capture the imagination of visitors and show the versatility of the Gaze pieces.

What are you most looking forward to seeing in the finished garden?

Oli Carter’s oak structure is enormous and is the main focal point of the garden and will be a wow moment when its fully built, this is definitely one of pieces of the garden I am most excited about seeing completed.

What is your favourite piece of Gaze Burvill furniture?
The Splash loungers and sofas are my favourite Gaze Burvill pieces, they carry seamlessly from city to country.

What Show Garden are you most looking forward to seeing this year?

I am really looking forward to seeing The Savills garden designed by Mark Gregory, its going to be a beautiful space with combination of beautiful ornamental and edible planting and environmentally sensitive hard landscaping materials.