Ian first came across English landscape designer Thomas Hoblyn at the Chelsea Flower Show back in 2011. As luck would have it, Ian and Tom were site neighbours, and after hearing that Ian’s plants were damaged in transport from Rome to London Tom came to the rescue, generously donating some of the most beautiful Iris Ian had ever seen.
So, this is our chance to pay it forward, and promote not only a brilliant garden designer, but in Ian’s own words an equally “brilliant bloke”.
Tom’s niche tends to be rural countryside. His landscape designs are classical nature, respectful of the past yet practical for today’s needs. Tom’s long standing love interest with land art shines through in his designs and is a perfect match for his rural landscapes.
The Grange project turned into a bit of a mathematical exercise for Tom. Inheriting a landscape that was disproportionate to the gothic-style dwelling, many hours were spent fiddling around with grids and various applications of the ‘Golden Section’ to arrive at deliberate, proportionally pleasing divisions of the garden.
An extension to the house required Tom’s involvement in helping it sit comfortably in the landscape. The interior design had a Mediterranean vibe so this theme was extended to the garden outdoors, with features such as a boules-like path to the tennis court, edged in steel and planted with walnut and Holm oak.
The clients have a large family and the sawn York terrace adequately copes with family gatherings. Perennial borders planted in such a way as to mimic the surrounding countryside are juxtaposed with the panoramic views.
A small Moorish pool and fountain on the terrace provides a pleasing sound and extending this watery theme is a linear bed of blue Iris as though linking with the pond.
From the drawing room inside the house, there is a fantastic view of the external pond. Tom decided to lower the level further in order to see more of it and create a formal lawn that doubles up as a games pitch. Planting around the house is very traditional with blowsy peonies sitting with English roses and lavender.
As is often the case when involved in such intricate landscape projects, Tom and his clients have become good friends, thereby ensuring regular visits back to the property. Tom attended a family wedding, where a marquee was erected on the formal lawn – the garden design providing a magnificent backdrop to the event.
For more on this “brilliant bloke” and his rural landscape masterpieces click here
