The Story
Welcome! My name is Thomas, though many call me Tom Pots.
Tom's Yard exists to bring you quality terracotta pots, backed up by the most passionate service one can deliver. I'm a big believer in doing business the proper way; So if you ever need me, you can contact me directly on 07557 902675.
I started Tom's Yard at 23, totally new to Horticulture, and in that time quite a lot has changed. I never thought I'd see my pots on television, in the English Garden Magazine, nor in some of the gardens I've gone on to visit... and if you said I'd one day be in the Young Horticulturalist of the Year Awards, I'd probably laugh!
Over the past few years I've been fortunate to supply pots into spaces of all shapes & sizes. The gardens of private buyers range from city balconies & terraced homes through to quaint cottages & private estates... and on a commercial front I've supplied pots to various production companies, designers, developers, boutique hotels and even into Harrods.
Tom's Yard started when I began working with a small pottery in Crete. The early days, I must admit, were very challenging... I was dead-broke, had moved back to living with my Mother, and the overriding pandemic really didn't help things.
Fast forward and in 2023 the business stepped up. Firstly, I expanded the range by importing a new collection of premium terracotta from Italy. Then I made the jump and moved into Tom's Yard 2.0. This brand new compound was larger, easier to access and proved far more suitable to meet the needs of the growing business.
Then at the start of 2025 the business expanded again. The new range from Vietnam stood up against anything I had seen in the more romanticised Western potteries. Based a few hours from Ho Chi Minh, the rural pottery using wood-fired kilns reminded me of the micro potteries I had explored in Morocco. 'Proper provincial pottery' as I say... I fell in love.
Through my close proximity to a local garden, The Laskett Gardens, Tom's Yard is a Perennial Partner. Perennial is the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping those who work in horticulture, and their families, when times get tough. The Gardeners’ Benevolent Institution (now named Perennial) was founded in 1839 and still exists today to carry out it's mission of supporting all who work in Horticulture.
A Bit About Me
From a young age I've been raised in Herefordshire and it's a county that I've come to passionately love. The rolling landscape, quality local produce, and fantastic people make it such a marvellous place to be.
After finishing my studies at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester (the 'RAU' or even the RAC to some!), I headed back home to join the family interiors business. Selling furniture, paints and flooring from a young age, I've always enjoyed helping people. In fact, when I was younger I dreamed of becoming a butler!
After returning home I eventually spread my wings and went off to work with Europe's largest retailer of Decorative Antiques. Running their main high street showroom, I was immersed into a world of fine furniture & garden statutory and it was here that I developed my passion for supplying quality, authentic wares.
Outside Work
I'm a big believer in trying to make the most of life and I think as a local 'businessman' I have a role to play in my community. Around work I'm a supporting member of the Hereford & Worcester Gardens Trust, the Supplier Coordinator for the YPHA (Young People in Horticulture Association), a Trustee of Herefordshire Growing Point and current Chairman of Ross-on-Wye Round Table.
Herefordshire Growing Point is a charity (now CIO) that has existed since 1991 with an aim to provide horticultural therapy for local people in and around Herefordshire dealing with physical and/or mental disabilities. It's a fantastic cause and the work of the Tutor's is incredible.
The YPHA - Young People in Horticulture Association - is a group for celebrating young people working in Horticulture and holds hundreds of members working in various roles across Britain. If you know of anyone in the industry under 37, do encourage them to sign up - it's free!
The Hereford & Worcester Gardens Trust was founded in 1992 and exists to constantly monitor planning applications and often works with applicants to minimise any adverse impact on local historic landscapes. The trust also works with landowners to provide advice, physical help and occasionally financial help to aid the restoration or conservation of special places. Membership is very affordable and you can benefit from visits to spectacular private gardens, seldom open to the public.
Ross-on-Wye Round Table was established by myself and a friend after being members of Hereford Round Table. The social club exists to offer experiences and regular group activities for young men aged 18 - 45 so that they can get the most out of the local area. Our current fundraising efforts are going towards the community surrounding Ross Sports Club.
