Tending to the land with care
Tended Land is a new venture by Nicholas Couch and Benjamin Kempton, two career changers from an art & design background.
We bring a high level of horticultural care and aesthetic sensibility to garden maintenance for small / medium sized commercial and public spaces in The City and Central London.
We are supported by our Business Associate, Stephen Crisp, who was previously Head of Horticulture for the United States Embassy in London, as well as gardener & plant grower, Alexander Antoniou.
Our ambition is to stay small, care about the details and do good
Our work honours the design vision and unique atmosphere of a garden, whilst responding sensitively to planting and seasonal change. We garden thoughtfully, developing a relationship with a garden over time. Our approach is to tend to a garden, to make skilled interventions that allow plants to evolve naturally, whilst supporting wildlife and pollinators.
Once established, we plan to be one of the first B-Corp registered garden maintenance practices, potentially the first in London.
“We believe that tending to the land and nurturing plants is an important act in its own right, for nature, people and cities.”
Practice Principles
1. Improving biodiversity
Gentle management of ecosystems to support pollinators and wildlife
2. Maintaining a vision
Upholding the design vision and unique atmosphere of each project
3. Reducing our impact
Reusing, repairing, recycling (and cycling)
4. Sharing your values
Representing your team and culture
5. Adapting to change
Allowing gardens to evolve and develop naturally and beautifully
6. Engaging with people
Happy to talk to employees and the community
Garden Engagement
We hope to run regular workshops with end-client teams that encourage engagement with green spaces and to learn basic horticultural techniques. We see this as a value-add to clients & HR teams, supporting culture and ESG policy.
The Team
Nicholas Couch & Benjamin Kempton
We are career changers from an art and design background. Over the past five years we’ve transitioned towards a full time career in horticulture, studying the RHS Level 2 theory and practical courses. We currently work in London gardens and have gained experience at Sissinghurst, Tom Stuart Smith’s Serge Hill and the Chelsea Physic Garden.
We draw on 20+ years of experience working with design teams, understanding their vision and managing projects efficiently. Benjamin was creative director and stylist for Wallpaper* and The World of Interiors. Nicholas was Managing Director of brand and advertising agencies in London & NY.
Alexander Antoniou
Alex embarked on a career in horticulture driven by a desire to reconnect with nature. He embraces ecologically sound, naturalistic planting that’s wildlife-friendly and supportive of pollinators. Alex also cultivates an eclectic range of plants at Leahurst Nurseries, in North London. He’s committed to making horticulture accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds and has spoken at the Beth Chatto Symposium and the London Gardens Network.
Stephen Crisp — Business Associate
We are supported by Stephen Crisp, previously Head of Horticulture, United States Embassy London. He was responsible for running a broad portfolio of diplomatic properties in the capital. Stephen is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and was made an Associate of Honour of the Royal Horticultural Society in 2017. Stephen will have a consultative role, overseeing projects.
Contact
To hear more about Tended Land and discuss working together.
Email Nicholas & Benjamin
hello@tendedland.com
