The Foreign and Colonial Investments Garden

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Tom takes us on a tour of the Foreign and Colonial Investments Garden.

Design inspiration

Tom's contemporary design style is inspired and influenced by natural landscapes and plant communities, so, after an eye-opening trip to study endangered carnivorous plants in the bogs of North Carolina, he welcomed a chance to highlight the vulnerability of these highly specialised plants.

His garden celebrates one of the world's most threatened habitats and the tenacity and adaptability of the plants that thrive in the unique conditions there.

"The centrepiece of my design for The Foreign and Colonial Investments Garden, an undulating wave sculpture made from slices of wood, reflects the uncertain climate, both environmental and economic.

I got the idea from a restaurant ceiling in Boston that's covered in plywood slices, and we managed to find a wind-fallen giant redwood to make the sculpture."

Your comments

Comments

Frazer, Ireland2009-05-22

This is my best in show garden, its relaxing and fresh. the green planting is very lush and the pool reflects the landscape and sky. The deck is very natural and organic and soft in the gardens landscape.

Leah, Bracknell2009-05-19

I was really looking forward to seeing what Tom would come up with this year but unfortunately I'm disappointed. The garden lacks the 'wow' factor that a Tom Hoblyn garden usually has. Clever idea but it's not really worked for me

Alison, Cambridge2009-05-19

I love the wood which brilliantly sets off the planting which is exquisite. New take on decking - I wish I could have it all in my garden!

Monica, Jarrow2009-05-19

I just loved it the instant I saw it. Different to anything that's been before. I struggled to think how it could be translated into the average garden though. But, that in itself is a good thing - it's kept me thinking about it.

Jane, Launceston2009-05-19

What are the lovely lime greeny pitcher type plants, I desperately need these for my garden! Glorious planting, hate the woodwork!

Anonymous2009-05-19

Reminds me of the Emperor's new clothes story. Lot of fuss about nothing. Dark dank negative looking water with suitable places for rats to breed under the decking

Anonymous2009-05-18

Sorry, but I just have to say it - There are plenty of bike parking spaces in this garden!

Ann, St Neots2009-05-18

I love the water, the sculpture and especially the iris. Lovely.