Garden Designer Tom Poppelaars opts for clear lines |
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Tuinstudio Tom combines clean lines with lush greenery
The Brabant-based garden designer Tom Poppelaars of Tuinstudio Tom loves clear lines and shapes but also gardens with a natural look. He plays with that contrast in his designs. For years, he has been using corten steel retaining walls, zinc edging, and other borders for planting areas supplied by Adezz. 'I like using corten steel because of its natural look and the color contrast between the orange-brown steel and the greenery of the planting.'
| a zinc edging marks the boundary between the front yard and driveway of this robust garden designed by tom poppelaars. |
After completing his landscaping studies, Tom Poppelaars worked for thirteen years at Tuintechnisch Bureau Smeulders in Nuenen. 'I started out in the field, but after a few years, I moved into the office and began focusing on garden design and planning.' Gradually, the idea of starting his own design studio developed. 'The decisive moment was my participation in the design competition "A Garden for Vincent" at the Tuinen van Appeltern. That was in 2015, marking the 125th anniversary of Vincent van Gogh's death. Ten designers were allowed to realize their concept in the Tuinen van Appeltern, and I was one of them.'
Each of the gardens reflected a different aspect of Van Gogh's passion for colors and shapes. 'My garden is no longer on display at Appeltern, but it was there that my passion to create my own designs was sparked. The advantage is that you have more freedom and can manage your own time. The variety is also enjoyable—you sit down with different clients each time.'
 | | tom poppelaars. photo: simone voort |
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 | | poppelaars combines clear boundaries with lush greenery. |
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robust
'I was already familiar with Adezz when I worked at Smeulders. We used their planters. We saw the company from Uden grow quickly and expand its range with all kinds of garden furniture, from water bowls to mailboxes.'
In Poppelaars' designs, you'll regularly find water bowls, mailboxes, but especially planters, corten steel retaining walls, and zinc edging from Adezz. 'I love clear lines and shapes for their modern appearance. I also enjoy combining hard materials with lush greenery. Adezz offers a wide range for this and is open to custom work. The company from Uden has many corten steel products. Its orange-brown natural color contrasts beautifully with the greenery; that appeals to me. And corten steel is also very durable.'
His own garden in De Mortel, near Gemert, is a good example of clear lines and shapes combined with abundant greenery. He often receives compliments and customers draw inspiration from it. 'My garden was part of the open garden tour organized by the local chapter of Groei & Bloei. I received many questions. As a result, I have incorporated zinc edging into several other designs. The planting beds are 5 to 10 centimeters higher than the driveway. These borders keep the greenery neatly contained, making the garden easier to maintain. The edging also gives a modern and robust appearance.' On his website, Poppelaars describes this garden as a 'climate-resilient garden.'
native
'In the design, I not only considered the environment but also the changing climate. Almost all materials have been reused, and one-third of the plants are native. Trees like the chestnut provide cooling in the garden and the house on hot summer days. The design features clear, clean lines that continue through the hedges, walls, and driveway paving. The lush planting softens the hard lines.'
Poppelaars used many perennials and ornamental grasses. 'From an environmental point of view, I deliberately chose as many native plants as possible. Think of yarrow, lilyturf, meadow sage, pasque flower, and musk mallow. I also selected plants that absorb CO2. Maintenance is minimal because the ground is nearly covered, leaving little room for weeds.'
The reused materials include copper slag pavers. 'I used these for the driveway. For the raised deck leading to the seating area, I used hardwood beams that originally came from a brown coal mine in South Limburg. The sheltered seating area features olivine gravel, which has the ability to bind CO2.'
 | | trees provide cooling. |
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seasons
'I usually work with local landscapers. I create the designs and planting plans, and they handle the installation. I could do the work myself, but they are much faster, and I'm already very busy with all the requests I receive. Most of my clients are private individuals or landscapers looking for someone to design a garden. Occasionally, municipalities or companies contact me for corporate gardens.
Most of my work is in the southeastern part of the country, in North Brabant and Limburg. Occasionally, I get to travel further afield.'
During the pandemic, requests surged; people focused more on their homes and gardens. 'I really noticed that. Things calmed down a bit afterwards, but I still have plenty of work this year.'
Besides using clear lines and shapes, Poppelaars pays attention to the seasons when designing. He wants the garden to offer interest year-round. 'Every season has its charm. In my planting plans, I consider bloom times and aim for lots of variation, so there's always something beautiful to see in every season.'
 | | the hardwood comes from a brown coal mine in south limburg. |
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This article was previously published on October 28, 2024 on the website of De Hovenier.
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