What do Candy & Candy, Studio Indigo, Martin Kemp Studio, Argent Design, Finchatton, Taylor Howes and Bill Bonetti have in common? Answer: They’re amongst the worlds top designers and they use Bartholomew Landscaping on their projects. Managing Director and founder Barry Burrows set up the company back in 1989 with the aim of designing and installing bespoke gardens at the very top end of the residential market, and since then his excellent reputation has built over the years through word of mouth and via recommendations from elite architects and interior designers. Along the way, Bartholomew Landscaping has won several prestigious awards including two Chelsea Flower Show medals and 25 BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) awards. Here, Barry talks about what makes his company a leader in the industry and what inspires his designs…
NS: “Barry, what do you think are the real strengths of your business, as opposed to other companies?”
BB: “Our business is based on the premise that we offer a high level of support, assistance and direction during the design, planning, installation phase of a project all the way through to completion and maintenance. We’re carrying out work for the most discerning clientele and focusing predominately on private residential gardens as well as exclusive commercial developments, so foremost, without being precious, we listen to the client and always aim to achieve something that will be unique and tailored to the end user; I personally like to work closely with the client to ensure whatever ideas they may have are interpreted and realised. ‘Bespoke’ is a word that comes to mind… we’re also a unique company in so much as we design, install and carry out aftercare services – basically the whole package for all your outdoor requirements…”
NS: ”Do you ever undertake landscaping projects overseas?”
BB: “We undertook the garden design in the grounds of a large private estate in the hills of Tuscany, Italy, in a truly wonderful place called Castagneto Carducci (above, right); we also worked in Norway, designing the gardens of a large privately owned estate, and we’ve just recently been appointed to undertake the master planning of another large private estate just outside of Moscow (above, left)…”
Always consider Bartholomew’s when considering creating your dream garden…”
Barry Burrows, MD, Bartholomew Landscaping
NS: “What type of gardens tend to inspire you, personally?”
BB: “One of my all-time favourite gardens has to be Sissinghurst Castle, laid out and planted by the late Vita Sackville West and Harold Nicolson; the white garden (above) has give me so much inspiration, particularly for roses…”
NS: “A sculpture makes a fantastic focal point in any garden; which international sculptors most impress you?“
BB: “I’ve commissioned Simon Gudgeon on two occasions, most recently for a piece called ‘Leaf Spirit’ (above) for my Holland Park project as I love his work, and I also love the work of Anthony Gormley. We helped install ‘The Hand Of God’ (below, right) by sculptor Lorenzo Quinn within a client’s garden. In terms of the most impressive, it’s always going to be Henry Moore (below, left) and Barbara Hepworth for me…”
NS: “And what is one essential element associated with your garden design that you absolutely cannot live without?”
BB: “Our 3d walk-through presentation, along with our 3d-printing of models…”
NS: “Thank you, Barry!”
- Read more from Barry in our upcoming pieces on hotel design, restaurant design and chateau restoration along with designer, Tim Gosling
CONTACT: http://www.bartholomewlandscaping.com
