John Wyer expounds on building self-assurance and mastering the skill of staying victorious in debates
In the world of high-profile garden design, John Wyer stands out as a maverick, challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries.
Born and raised in south London as the middle child of five, Wyer's unconventional journey began early. His academic life was marked by a constant questioning of the world and a refusal to conform, leading him to fail every exam he took. However, this didn't deter him. Instead, it guided him towards a degree in landscape architecture at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Wyer's time at university was no less rebellious. Despite his continuous arguments with teachers, his supervisor considered him the best student of the year. His unique perspective and unyielding spirit were evident even then.
After graduation, Wyer walked into a job in the prestigious design department at Clifton Nurseries, a significant step in his career. Following a brief stint, he left to found his own firm, Bowles & Wyer, alongside Chris Bowles. The company quickly rose to prominence, building gardens to the highest level and earning numerous awards.
However, after years of collaboration, Bowles decided to retire, leaving Wyer to take the business forward. Wyer's company continues to thrive, with Bowles & Wyer also building gardens for other high-profile designers.
Wyer's work is characterised by his interests in architecture, vistas, revealed views, and the relationship between experienced landscape and geometry. His designs aim to change how people experience the world, offering unique and thought-provoking perspectives.
Wyer's journey isn't just limited to the realm of gardening. His adventurous spirit led him on an 11-month cycling trip to China, a journey he undertook on a bike he built himself. This journey, however, wasn't without its challenges. Wyer was arrested by Chinese police for arguing with them during his trip.
Despite these challenges, Wyer returned to Clifton Nurseries for five more years before embarking on new ventures. Today, he volunteers a significant amount of time to professional associations, lectures, mentors, and writes on the subject.
Despite his success, information about the institutions Wyer worked for besides his own firm, Bowles & Wyer, is scant. What is certain is that Wyer's influence within the industry is undeniable, and his unique approach to landscape design continues to inspire and challenge.
