Wolfson Head Gardener Mike Pearson to retire after 36 years

After 36 years of dedicated service, Wolfson College this week bids a fond farewell to Head Gardener Mike Pearson, who is retiring after a remarkable career at the College that has spanned more than half of the College’s presence on the current site and that has left an indelible mark on the College’s grounds and community.

Mike joined Wolfson in 1988, fresh from an industrial placement at the Oxford Botanic Garden, and began as Deputy Head Gardener under Walter Sawyer. Walter recalls their first major project together: the transformation of a neglected riverside wilderness into the Damp Garden and River Walk, one of the College’s most treasured and tranquil spaces. “Using 32 tonnes of Wroxton Ironstone, the team spent weeks moving every rock by hand winching it down the slope, and placing it to look like a rock outcrop.” Walter shared.

Mike was promoted to Head Gardener in 1991 and has led the Gardens Team through decades of change to the College’s estate, including skillfully landscaping around new buildings such as Robin Gandy. His skills and creativity are evident across the College, from the redevelopment of the Annex Back Garden into a peaceful retreat to his tireless efforts to restore the grounds to their former glory following the challenges of the pandemic.

President of the College, Sir Tim Hitchens remarked, “Mike has been so important to the life of the College for so long: keeping the grounds in great shape, getting us through floods and droughts, bringing us fireworks and Christmas trees. We will all miss him.”

Colleagues fondly remember not only Mike’s gardening prowess but also his passion for heavy metal music, which has been a source of lively conversation over the years. Whether sharing stories of rock gigs or reliving tales of past garden projects, Mike’s warmth and humour have enriched life at Wolfson as much as the landscapes he has nurtured.

As Mike steps away from the role he has defined for over three decades, the gardens and grounds of Wolfson College stand as a testament to his talent, dedication, and love for his craft. Thank you, Mike, for 36 years of service and memories—your legacy will grow here for years to come.