At just 23, Thomas Pearson opened Tom’s Yard in 2020. Born into an entrepreneurial family, Pearson – freshly armed with degree in International Business from the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, started his career in the antiques trade in Tetbury. He quickly developed a passion for (antique) garden paraphernalia and with that, Tom’s Yard was born.
Setting up shop on the family business compound, Pearson started trading in several garden product lines including pots and garden antiques. Probably assisted by his own passion for all things clay, the pots proved the most popular amongst his growing clientele and became the focus for the business.
“Pots are amazing. Good pots are incredible. They look good, are cost-effective compared to sculptures of the same quality and are ultimately clay pots are superb for growing plants in. On a personal note, I love clay. The feel, the history, the way it ages – it’s a sublime material that still exists unadulterated in an age of so many composite materials”, explains Pearson.
Tom’s Yard specialises in supplying trade (40%) and consumers with beautiful terracotta at competitive prices. The company imports terracotta from Crete and Italy, and has since recently expanded to include his own collection of hand-thrown terracotta rhubarb forcers made in England. Pearson explains that although it’s proving difficult, he is exploring all avenues to find UK made thrown pots that fit company’s quality-to-cost ratio. The rhubarb forcers, made exclusively for Tom’s Yard by an expert UK based thrower, are hopefully the start many to follow.
The business has moved to new premises to Ash Farm in Herefordshire which is open by appointment, but his ranges can also be seen at various trade shows throughout the year including the upcoming Shrewsbury Flower Show and RHS Malvern.
Pearson is an Industry Coordinator for the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) to support fellow young talent in the industry. The business is a registered Perennial partner, supporting the vital works of the charity, and Pearson is also an active member of the Hereford Round Table which is a local charity fundraising for local causes.