Leading the organisation with his brother, Robert, John Hillier spearheaded the organisation’s expansion, introducing numerous new plants during the six decades he spent at Hillier. As a member of the fourth generation of the Hillier family, he saw the company evolve through both commercial and horticultural transformation.
His passing at the age of 90, was announced this week by Hillier, which paid tribute to the respected plantsman, devoted family man, and beloved figure in the horticultural world.
John worked in the family business before serving National Service in Libya, then gained experience at two nurseries in America. On his return to the UK in 1958, he began working on his first RHS Chelsea Flower Show, an exhibit which became his responsibility and marked the beginning of the company’s remarkable legacy of 74 consecutive Gold Medals at the show. He retired from the Hillier board in 2018 at the age of 83.
He joined RHS committees, judged Wisley Trials, and advocated for the RHS Award of Garden Merit as a trusted guide for gardeners. A regular judge at RHS shows, John also served as President of Plant Heritage Hampshire, promoting garden plant conservation. He worked closely with Roy Lancaster on later editions of the Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs which has become a staple reference for gardeners.
In honour of his contribution, in 1996 he was awarded the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour, becoming the third Hillier to receive the Society’s highest accolade. A devoted husband to Val, John was the proud father of Pepe, Andrew, Martin, and James, and loving grandfather to nine grandchildren.
