Theo Charnley - Wilder Landscapes
Some spaces ask for attention. Others invite you to slow down.
Theo Charnley, co-founder of Wilder Landscapes, works in the latter, shaping gardens that don’t shout, but settle. Spaces that reveal themselves over time, where planting softens edges and the structure sits quietly beneath.
There’s a patience to the process, a willingness to let things grow into themselves rather than forcing a finished picture too soon.
We spoke about making, maintenance, and the quiet satisfaction of returning to a garden and seeing how it’s changed.
Tell us about your work.
I make gardens with my best friend Ethan. Together we set up a small landscape design practice where we design, build and plant up private and public spaces across North and East London. Our style leans toward the more informal and naturalistic, we prefer using natural materials and try to dedicate as much space for planting as possible
How would you describe your workshop?
We share a few desks in an artist’s studio in Tottenham, but other than that I guess the garden is our workshop.
What is the usual day in the workshop like for you?
My days are very varied which I love. On any given day, I might be visiting new clients and seeing their gardens, checking progress on current projects or gardening spaces we’ve built in the past, which is one of my favourite things to do.
How do you best like to work? Music, podcast, silence?
When I’m gardening, I like to listen to the noises around me to engage with the space I’m in. If it’s a particularly laborious task, a bit of music goes a long way though. NTS radio is a favourite of mine and one of my main sources of new music.
If you could recommend one podcast or YouTube what would it be?
I love Blindboy’s podcast. His weekly hot-takes are always hilarious and I find his level of self awareness and emotional regulation inspiring.
Who inspired you when you were starting your creative career?
The gardens at Great Dixter in East Sussex and the team looking after them have had a big impact on me. The first time I walked around the gardens is something I’ll never forget. Nowadays I’m lucky enough to work with the Garden Team every other week as part of my ongoing horticultural training.
What themes, inspirations or concepts drift into your work?
For me the power of a gardened space lies in the ability to mimic a naturally occurring scene or landscape. If I can evoke the feeling of standing in a meadow or a woodland glade through my work, then I am honing my craft.
What is your favourite tool to use?
My Felco no2 secateurs. They are sturdy enough to handle everyday use so I’m never without them.
Do you have a quote or motto that you say to yourself?
This too shall pass.
Do you have any rules or rituals when working?
I try to keep my tools as clean, sharp and well-organised as possible.
What advice do you have for another maker?