Tom Howard, Garden Designer

 

Tom HowardIn conversation with Anna Roochove - Arbour Landscape Solutions

Founded in 2010, Tom Howard Gardens is a London and Surrey-based garden design studio creating contemporary outdoor spaces that balance strong structure with natural planting. 

Led by Tom Howard, the studio offers design-and-build services locally, alongside design projects across the UK and internationally. With a background in fine art and a lifelong passion for gardens, Tom’s approach focuses on craftsmanship, thoughtful materials and enduring planting schemes. Guided by the philosophy “Brave ideas, beautifully executed,” Tom Howard Gardens creates spaces designed not only to look beautiful on completion, but to mature gracefully and be enjoyed for years to come.

Question (Q): What inspired you to become a garden designer?

Answer (A): I grew up in Somerset with parents who loved gardening and a two-acre garden to care for. My father served in the Navy, and when he was home his favourite place was the garden. We spent time together tending flowerbeds, growing vegetables and enjoying the outdoors. Those moments sparked my lifelong love of gardens.

Q: How long have you been in practice?

A: Since 2010.

Q: Where did you train?

A: I’ve always been creative. After school I completed an Art Foundation at Wimbledon, followed by a Fine Art degree in Winchester, where I met my wife, Yumiko. She’s Japanese, and after graduating in 2000 we spent the next decade living in Tokyo, where I taught English and started  a café business.  While living in Japan I yearned to be more creative again and so decided to embark on a long distance diploma in Garden Design and making the most of living in Japan and learning about Japanese gardens and gardening techniques. When we returned to the UK in 2010  I was fortunate to be asked to design and build a garden in Notting Hill for my (now) brother-in-law, his trust marked the official start of my career.

Q: Which Chelsea Flower Show gardens inspire you?

A: I’ve long admired Andy Sturgeon’s gardens for their balance between hard and soft landscaping.

Q: Where do you gain inspiration for your garden designs?

A: Often where I least expect it. I photograph details in everyday life, gardens, architecture, textures, colours and light, and store them in both my phone and my mind!

Q: Tulips or grasses, what are your favourites, and why?

A: While I love tulips, grasses win. They bring structure and movement throughout the year, unlike tulips, which are fleeting. Some favourites include Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’, Hakonechloa macra and Miscanthus Sinensis 
Tom Howard gardens outdoor space

Q: In one sentence, how would you describe the transformative power of gardens?

A: Gardens can heal and revitalise us like no other domestic or commercial space.

Q: What advice would you offer newly qualified designers?

A: Show real built examples of your work, not just drawings. The landscaping community is incredibly supportive, so make connections through organisations such as the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers or Association of Professional Landscapers. Offer help on projects, collaborate and learn on site, it’s the best way to hone your skills.

Q: Which trade shows do you like to attend?

A: My favourite will always be the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for inspiration.

Q: Which areas of the country do you cover?

A: We offer design-and-build services across South-West London and Surrey, and design-only services throughout the UK and internationally.

Q: Are you part of any trade body organisations?

A: I’m a pre-registered member of the SGLD and hope to join the APL later this year.

Q: What difference do you hope your gardens will make beyond your lifetime?

A: Our mission statement sums it up: “Brave ideas, beautifully executed.” We design gardens that last, planting trees that will outlive us and creating spaces where families can make memories for generations.
Tom Howard gardens outdoor seating area

Q: What Arbour products have you specified?

A: Arbour Landscape Solutions have supplied limestone paving, limestone setts, bespoke stone steps and copings, and timber for several projects.

Q: What’s the positive impact of working with a reliable materials supplier?

A: Responsiveness is essential, I don’t want to chase quotes. I work with Arbour because their service is second to none, and their materials are competitively priced and consistently high quality.

Thank you Tom for your time. 

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