• Flowering perennials, ferns and grasses soften the industrial look of reclaimed bricks held in reinforcing steel cages.  Since there is no mortar, small ferns grow in the gaps.  Water trickles from the hammered copper trough into a small pond, nestled among <em>Matteuccia struthiopteris</em>.<br /><br />View Larger
  • This chic design isn’t just for grown-ups; there’s room for the kids to play and storage for toys.  Clematis will grow onto the trellis, adding privacy to the sunny area at the far end, behind which scented climbers will cover the rear wall.  Clipped Hornbeam trees screen off neighbouring loft extensions.<br /><br />View Larger
  • This sunken area allows light into basement bedrooms.  Previously utilitarian, it now features sculpture, a light-reflecting water feature and metal planters bursting with <em>Polystichum setiferum</em>.  These evergreen beauties thrive where many others fail.<br /><br />View Larger
  • To make this spectacular display, we planted nearly 3000 bulbs in three colours: crimson, dark mauve and light mauve.  The Tulips give way to masses of flowering perennials, providing continuous interest from spring until late autumn.<br /><br />View Larger
  • This high-walled garden belongs to a warehouse flat with contemporary decor.  The two Jasmines, left, will be trained onto the stainless steel and oak frames, forming evergreen sculpture.  Minimal planting and automatic irrigation make after care easy.<br /><br />View Larger
  • Queen Ann’s lace, <em>Anthriscus sylvestris</em>, and lesser knapweed, <em>Centaurea nigra</em>, dominate in this meadow, photographed six months after seeding.  Additional flower species will germinate in the coming seasons, providing a colourful tapestry and critical habitat for invertebrates.<br /><br />View Larger
  • Canadian red cedar decking is beautiful, long lasting and sustainable.  A floating bench leads the eye to a circular lawn flanked by raised beds made of dry stack stone.  Evergreen, flowering <em>Clematis armandii</em> will disguise the back fence in time.<br /><br />View Larger
  • While shrubs make up the backbone of this planting, large drifts of purple-blue perennials and the punch of the orange <em>Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’</em> certainly make an impression in this Surrey garden.<br /><br />View Larger
  • This shady garden is a welcoming space for BBQ’s and the Sunday papers.  Bright green foliage, including that of the light-catching <em>Asarum europaeum</em>, bottom left, lift the mood.  I designed the chunky oak table to accommodate eight guests; the benches nest underneath when not in use.<br /><br />View Larger
  • Mass plantings of grasses complement this newly built lap pool.  The tall and elegant <em>Calamagrostis acutiflora</em>, left, accentuates a bed of <em>Hakonechloa macra</em>, dotted with <em>Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’</em>.  Deep red <em>Imperata cylindrica</em> sets off the stainless steel sculpture.<br /><br />View Larger
 

Welcome

What does a garden offer?

Most of us enjoy being outdoors. Studies even have shown that hospital patients with a view onto green space recover faster than those without and that “direct, frequent experience with the natural world produces positive physical, mental and emotional benefits in people of all ages.”

A garden is a sanctuary, a place in which to get away from it all, relax and spend time with loved ones.

Why employ a designer?

Design is part of our everyday lives, from the latest electronic gadget to cutting-edge architecture. People prefer things that have a feeling of quality, are user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing; in other words, well designed. According to the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, “nine out of ten people say that better quality buildings and outdoor space improve their quality of life”

While a new garden can add from 2- 10% onto your property value, it can be a big investment. Thorough planning is essential; choosing the most appropriate layout, materials, plants and furniture ensures a great result.

A good designer will help you get the most garden for your money.

Why a garden by Tom Hammers?

People often ask what kind of gardens I design. The best designs evolve in response to the site itself, adjacent architecture, budget and the clients’ brief, so I not to have a set design style.

In my gardens, you will often find elements such as clean, bold lines juxtaposed with natural materials and luxurious planting. The colour, texture and form of every ingredient in a design is carefully considered, as well as the purpose and relationships between them.

I strive to create interesting, dynamic and functional spaces that reflect the clients’ tastes and are enjoyable places to spend time in.