Landscape Designer Xa Tollemache And Helmingham Hall: ‘A Garden Well Placed’

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In the sphere of horticulture in the UK, perhaps few names resonate as strongly as Landscape and Garden Designer, Xa Tollemache.

Xa published her own book, ‘A Garden Well Placed’, exploring the celebrated family gardens at Helmingham Hall, which she has been nurturing for almost 50 years.

Xa has also served on the RHS Council for 10 years where she was a member of the Herbaceous Plant Committee, and now has the opportunity to share her extensive experience as a show garden judge of exhibitor entries at RHS Flower Shows.

We explore her remarkable achievements and profound influence in the world of horticulture.

Can you describe your earliest memories or experiences with gardening?

“Going around the garden with my mother,” says Xa. “She constantly tried to enthuse me without success!”

Can you walk us through your typical design process from initial client consultation to project completion?

“First of all, I go to the site and talk to the client away from the garden about their ideas and wishes. Then, I walk around the space with the client, and finally, I walk around it on my own.

I take photos and note down things that I would change or remove in the garden.”

You’re actively involved with the RHS, serving on The Herbaceous Perennial Committee, judging at RHS shows, and being on the prestigious Council of the RHS. How has this association shaped your career?

“I enjoyed being on the Herbaceous Committee for many years and got to know so many amazing gardeners, which led me to judging,” she explains.

“I really enjoy this and understand the pressures that the exhibitors are under, having done three main show gardens myself. Getting to know many of the nurseries is also a wonderful experience.

“Being voted onto the council was extremely prestigious and I was so honoured to serve on it for 10 years. I met the most amazing people and we oversaw a huge investment in the society.”

Can you tell us more about your role as Garden Advisor to Hyde Hall and the concept behind The Global Growth Garden?

“Before joining the council, I became a Garden Adviser at Hyde Hall.

“I was commissioned to do a new vegetable garden there and decided to do a world garden, growing herbs and vegetables from all over the world to show people the vegetables that people eat in Asia, South America, North America and Europe.”

How do you incorporate sustainability principles in your garden designs?

“I look around the sites and use existing materials when I see them,” she shares.

“I consider if I can use wood, stone, slate, flint or any other material and what use it could have. The natural landscape is always incorporated into my designs, and where there is water, I see if it is possible to use a borehole.

“All of my designs include plenty of grass areas and pollinating plants.”

How do you handle unexpected issues or obstacles that arise during a project?

“I go away and think about it, come to a conclusion and then communicate with the client or contractor and ask for expert and professional advice,” Xa explains.

Looking back at your illustrious career, what projects or achievements are you most proud of?

“The project I’m probably most proud of is creating Helmingham Gardens.

“Having said that, I also love any of my designed gardens that the clients get passionate about too, especially if they weren’t keen in the first place!

“Getting a Gold Medal for a garden at the Chelsea Flower Show is also quite high up there.”

What are your future plans?

“I am designing a range of garden furniture that I want to expand and promote,” shares Xa.

“And, as always, I’m continuing to design and make beautiful gardens.”