Tom Hill made his show garden debut at the inaugural Ascot Spring Flower Show, hosted at the iconic Ascot Racecourse. The event celebrated a “Town and Country” theme, inviting designers to create gardens that could thrive in both urban and rural environments. This concept sparked a wide range of creative interpretations, from sleek city courtyards to expansive countryside retreats, setting the tone for a vibrant and imaginative showcase.
Every element of the garden was designed by Tom himself, with the exception of the dining table and chairs, which were supplied by Quan Garden Art. The furnishings echoed the garden’s geometric theme, featuring a faceted water feature, verdigris-finished feature panels, and lounge seating. These sculptural forms reinforced the garden’s bold visual identity, while the panels introduced vibrant pops of colour that brought the space to life.
Tom’s garden, On Point, was a compact yet striking 9×9 metre space that balanced bold design with practical function. Rather than following a set style, he approached the project intuitively, drawing from a modern design language and responding creatively to the site’s unique constraints and opportunities.
Visitors entered through two freestanding geometric columns that framed a paved pathway leading to a sheltered dining area. At the rear of the garden, a dramatic inverted pyramid planter—poised delicately on a single point—served as a sculptural centrepiece and sparked lively conversation throughout the show.
Despite the early timing of the show, which posed challenges for planting, Tom embraced the conditions as an opportunity for creative expression. He developed a planting scheme that was both bold and harmonious, selecting species with strong architectural qualities. Mediterranean varieties and striking specimens such as Dasylirion and Agave added texture and intrigue, complementing the garden’s structural elements and captivating visitors with their sculptural beauty.
