Chelsea to Somerset, with Tom Massey and Je Ahn
If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably wondered what medal-hoarding Chelsea Flower Show garden designers do when they’re not planning or executing a show garden. Regular readers will recall how Niwaki followed Tom Massey and Je Ahn as they prepared for their Gold Medal-winning 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden, joining them in the months before as they chose appropriate plants and trees, seeing how they put our tools through their paces during the build, and generally basking in the reflected glory of all their skill and hard work.
A favourite detail from Tom and Je’s 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winning garden: “The Avanade Intelligent Garden”
Je Ahn and Tom Massey taking in the view from their new patch in Somerset.
We were glad to discover that Tom and Je continue to work together “off-screen”, and even more pleased when we found out they were starting a new project just a short bumpy Landy drive from Niwaki HQ, across the A303 into rural Somerset.
Together with a couple of friends, the pair have purchased a dilapidated farmhouse, outbuildings and a little land high up on a hill overlooking an idyllic patchwork of farms and villages. We asked Tom and Je to elaborate on their plans – you can listen to them explain the project in their own words in the video below – and they were kind enough to offer a tour of the site.
In return, we supplied some Niwaki house/garden-warming presents to help them get started with stage 1: clearing and restoring access routes throughout the property, which is overgrown after years of neglect.
The plan, from our side, is to keep checking in on them and watch this project develop over the next few years. Je, who brings the architectural expertise to the partnership, has big plans for repurposing the dairy sheds and other outbuildings, but it’s Tom’s developing vision for the garden and woodland that we’re most excited to see. What does a top-tier garden designer do with a blank slate when they (which includes their friends and family) are the client? We can’t wait to find out.
Kotoh X Niwaki Pocket Knife
Tom whittles a stake
Je with a shiny new pair of Tobisho x Niwaki SR-1 Pruners
Adjustable Work Platform for a little height boost, as well as providing a handy place to work when out in the garden
Contemplating the work required to re-establish paths through the woods
Je takes a break from pruning, keeping warm in a Dan-Ten Quilted Jacket