Tom Simpson is a illustrious Garden Designer based in London who graduate from the London College of Garden Design and work with go designers before establishing his own successful praxis .
His noteworthy career includes a historical winnings at the 2021 RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show , where he became the first designer to clench all four top awards , including Best in Show and the People ’s Choice Award .
As we delve profoundly into his calling , we explore his backcloth in horticulture , the challenges of lead a aim studio and how he sees the future of the garden conception industry .
What Initially Piqued Your Interest In Garden Design?
“ It ’s something that I grew up with , as both of my parents , my momma specially , gardened , ” shares Tom . “ Whenever we went out , it would involve chitchat a garden . Because of that , I ’d always been concerned in spending time in the landscapes .
“ As I grew up , I spent some time work for my friend ’s parents , who were garden designers . They purchase this belongings in Cornwall and were establish a garden there , so I spent a few month help them out by building bonfires , clearing ivy off wallsand digging over flowerbeds .
“ That ’s when I realise that garden intent was a real career option – I loved it . Seeing what they did and how they put together their planting schemes really grip me .
Image by Joanna Kossak
“ I went away and then had a short life history in the film industry and recognize that was n’t for me and that garden design was still an option . I ’ve also always loved expenditure time outdoors , so I thought I ’d give it a go .
“ I did n’t to the full appreciate what garden design was at that point and it was n’t until I went to college that I realised what it entailed . ”
Looking Back, Is There Any Advice You’d Give To Your Younger Self When You Were Just Beginning Your Journey In Garden Design?
“ I would have enunciate to get more practical horticultural experience and training , ” he muse .
“ I think that would have been beneficial to me , as so much of the learning is hardheaded and an breeding can teach you what to do , but you really require to get out there and do it . Everything else I ’ve learnt has been on the job .
“ My advice would be to spend a year exercise in a garden and then do your course so you have that added understanding when you ’re start out . ”
Image by Joanna Kossak
In 2021, You Became The First Designer To Win All Four Awards At The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. How Did It Feel To Achieve Such A Remarkable Feat?
“ I ’d previously done two show gardens there , but in 2019 I ’d starteda partnership with Cancer Research UK , so this was the 2nd garden that I had design for them . The idea was to build on the success of our first garden .
“ As thing were starting to work up back up again after the pandemic , the idea had been in my principal for a recollective clock time , so gain ground all of the awards was a hugely gratifying thing to go on and I was specially proud of for the charity and the added insistency coverage they become .
“ It was a great experience and I ’m really proud of that projection . ”
Image by Rachel Warne
What Are Some Of The Biggest Challenges You’ve Faced In Your Career, And How Did You Overcome Them?
“ Facing big challenges all the time is just part of hunt down your own business . There ’s a big dispute when working as a Garden Designer in a studio and running your own pattern .
“ The challenges that I confront are alike to that of other small business owner . I ’ve only been in the industry for eight old age and worked for myself for three , so I ’m pretty unexampled to the game . Fortunately , things are going well at the here and now , as we are expanding and have lots of new labor on the go . ”
With The Changing Climate And Its Impact On Gardening And Landscaping, How Do You Foresee The Future Of Garden Design?
“ I think that good practice always says that you should use the right plant for the right spot , and that apply more than ever now , ” says Tom .
“ You have to plant with sustainability in mind now , otherwise thing will not grow . We are looking to works that are more adaptable to ironical condition but also plants that can make do with damp environments . Those that are best suited to two ends of the scale need to be considered more and more .
“ We have to wait to resilient plants too . With these thing is an chance to do something interesting with your innovation as well , so it ’s all about look at the plants and working out what will do best . ”
Image by Joanna Kossak
What Are Some Of The Upcoming Projects You’re Most Excited About?
“ We ’ve go lots of fun hooey run short on at the present moment , ” he shares .
“ We are currently on website planting on a project just outside of Bath . It is a beautiful strait-laced Pancho Villa with adorable grounds that has a schematic schema .
“ We also latterly worked on a pocket turning point garden that had a minimalist feature wall and panels . We are hopefully taking ikon of that soon to deal . We act upon on such a all-embracing mix of projects , these two support out at the moment ! ”
