Pro Landscaper Magazine - Adam Vetere feature

Pro Landscaper sits down with Adam Vetere, Supreme Winner at Pro Landscaper’s small project BIG IMPACT Awards 2022, as he reflects on travelling the world, seven-figure commissions and the art of self-promotion.

Adam Vetere Award 2022

Some are born into the industry. Others follow a more corporate path before transitioning into the world of landscaping later in life. For Adam Vetere, it’s a little of both.

Founder of his own company, Adam Vetere Landscape and Garden Design, Vetere says his career can be divided into three phases. “When I was growing up, my father ran a landscaping company,” he says. “While taking my O-levels and A-levels – studying graphic design and technical drawing – I designed gardens for him. He was fantastic at building gardens, but he couldn’t design them for toffee!”

Having helped his father build some of the gardens he had designed, Vetere gained a foothold in landscaping from a young age, garnering an early appreciation of key components such as drainage and soil. “I picked all of that up in the mid- to late-80s,” Vetere elaborates. “That was my grounding.”

Phase two saw Vetere take a completely different direction, heading into the world of corporate finance, where he remained for 28 years. He worked his way up from auditor/systems analyst at Ernst & Young in 1990 to Elliot Group’s global finance and commercial manager in 2015, yet landscaping was never far from his thoughts.

“Those roles allowed me to travel the world,” Vetere smiles. “I flew four or five times a month and visited gardens all over the world, from Japan and the Far East to the Americas and South Africa, and all over Europe. I built an understanding of plants, planting styles and landscape design in all four corners of the world.”

Equally pertinent – and something that perhaps made Vetere’s eventual return to landscaping almost inevitable – was his continued interest in garden design, even as a hobby. “In my spare time, I used to design gardens for my friends and family,” Vetere explains. “I did that while sitting on a plane, and I would incorporate a lot of what I saw on my trips. I found it relaxing.”

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Some kind words

"They have created stunning features which retain the garden’s original character"

Adam Vetere’s design transformed our garden from a wild, overgrown space into a beautiful contemporary garden. Adam introduced us to TS Landcapes and together they have created stunning features which retain the garden’s original character, whilst introducing innovative new designs.

Rachel and Steve

"I have my own beautiful little corner of Japan to enjoy"

I have always loved the tranquility and eternal nature of traditional Japanese gardens, so was delighted when Adam agreed to bring a little bit of Japan to my little bit of Berkshire.

The design evolved with much arm-waving and looking at many photographs from many books. It needed to incorporate a collection of toro (Japanese stone lanterns) and my favourite rocks recycled from previous gardens, a watering system and lighting for night-time viewing of the garden.

What Adam came up with was deceptively simple but there is interest everywhere you look in the sculptural plants and cloud-pruned trees, the yin-yang of weathered granite stepping stones set against smooth almost-white patio tiles, and the classic grouping of a toro overlooking a reflective pool.

The hard landscaping was done by JJH Landscapes and it was obvious from Adam's regular site visits that they knew each other well, so the whole process was as smooth as construction work can be.

Now that I have my own beautiful little corner of Japan to enjoy, it's almost a shame that I don't have another garden for Adam to design.

Victoria

"I could not be more happy with the results"

Adam did an amazing job when designing my 100 sqm roof terrace. He was professional, courteous and efficient throughout the process, and his design exceeded my expectations in every respect. The greatest hurdle to overcome with designing a roof terrace is to work within considerable weight limitations and yet to still come up with a pleasing result and make it all look effortless. Adam achieved all that and I could not be more happy with the results. Working with Adam on this project was a pleasure. He was always available and helpful on the phone or by email when I had a query … not a ‘given’ these days. I can highly recommend Adam.

Christina

"The end result is beyond anything I could have imagined"

From the outset, working with Adam has been an absolute pleasure. He listened to my ramblings, asked me insightful questions and managed to capture every nuance of those conversations.

The end result is beyond anything I could have imagined and is the essence of everything I had hoped for. The garden entices me in and indeed commands my attention, but the focal point is the pergola; its bold, structural form is the perfect foil for the lush, architectural planting and the natural elements which surround it. It is stunning - as soon as I saw the design, I knew I had to have it in my garden.

I’m now looking forward to watching it develop into an even more beautiful space to share and enjoy with family and friends.

Tana Travers

"I would highly recommend Adam"

Adam has designed the most beautiful garden for us, which was implemented and finalised in September 2023. I was really impressed by Adam’s design process, details attention and professionalism. He managed to transform a very awkward shaped garden into the angled garden, which captured all that we asked for on day one. I would highly recommend Adam.

Anna

"Adam project managed the whole process brilliantly"

From the beginning to the end of my garden project it has been a pleasure to work with Adam. Adam laid out the process very clearly so I knew my options and we agreed a brief. Having been invited to see his own garden I knew I could trust his judgement and I wasn’t disappointed when he talked me through the design idea. He had designed a garden that fitted the features of the house as well as my own artist style which made it extra special; incorporating my fused glass was an unexpected chance to put my own stamp on the garden. Adam project managed the whole process brilliantly too. The planting has amazing combinations of plants in textures, scents and colours, many of which I had not been familiar with. With a plant list and maintenance instructions I feel equipped to help his vision develop as the months go by. Every day I look forward to seeing what new delights the garden offers. A patch of grass has been turned into a beautiful garden and a space to enjoy all through the year.

Jean Thomas

"I was instantly impressed with him and his eye for detail"

First met Adam at his garden while on a group visit. I was instantly impressed with him and his eye for detail. Sometime later I asked him if he would come up with a design for a patio area with a couple or raised beds. We discussed some very basic requirements and Adam presented several options, all which had merit but one fitted our requirements exactly. Adam is always keen to offer advice regarding landscaping and choice of plants. I would highly recommend him and would certainly contact him again for any future projects.

Graham Powell

"Adam has been excellent in his approach to our garden design"

Adam has been excellent in his approach to our garden design, he has captured all our views and designed a garden so all children especially special needs children can access the garden like their friends. He has been very approachable and very sensitive to the project, and has looked at all access.

I can't recommend Adam enough in his design, approach and more importantly kindness.

Sabrina Merritt

"We would have no hesitation in recommending this company"

Through every stage from the initial planning to the implementation Adam and his team provided the highest level of service. The design reflected both Adam's ideas and our own contributions ensuring that our objectives were achieved. All the work was carried out on the specified dates, in a non-intrusive way, and an excellent dialogue ensured that we were kept fully up-to-date with progress. Despite difficult weather at the time the work was completed absolutely to schedule, and already it is clear that Adam will provide follow-up and advice when needed. Interaction with the team was pleasant and everyone worked in a very tidy and organised way. We would have no hesitation in recommending this company.

John Spinks

"I can't recommend Adam highly enough"

We are eternally grateful to Adam, who came to the rescue on our new build landscaping project, creating an innovative contemporary garden design to maximise the views from our difficult sloping site and reflect the contours of the surrounding landscape. In addition to his obvious expertise, Adam has shown great flexibility in dealing with our difficult deadlines and liaising with the builders and architect. We felt that Adam really understood us as people and incorporated this, helping us design not just the garden but our whole outside entertaining space. Adam's detailed presentation helped us understand how the garden will look across the seasons - we can’t wait to see the finished planting. I can't recommend Adam highly enough - Thanks Adam.

Zoe Taylor

"Friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable"

We asked Adam to help us with a design for our long but quite narrow garden that had been neglected for a number of years. We had a few ideas and knew what we wanted to include in the finished garden, and Adam's final design ticked all the boxes! He was friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable and we would highly recommend his services. We felt he really took on board what we were hoping for and his attention to detail was excellent, the extremely professional final presentation was easy to understand and looked fab! Thanks for all your help Adam!

Elizabeth Davis

"Thank you for all your support"

I would like to shout from the hill tops about Adam and Katherine, they have worked together on designing our amazing magical garden for our early years children with multiple needs. They have embraced all our individual children, parents and their needs for fun, play and learning, through a garden of excitement. Their approach to working with us as a service has been outstanding. Thank you for all your support!

Ann-Marie Boxall – KIDS

"He is certainly far above the average garden architect"

Adam is dedicated to providing the best and most fitting garden experience to the most demanding of customers. His thoughtful accommodating and unique approach is second to none.

He is certainly far above the average garden architect - give the guy a chance. You will not regret it.

Clive McArdle

"Wonderful, caring and delicate approach"

Adam has been amazing in his wonderful, caring and delicate approach to our garden design, he has captured all our ideas and visions for our children with disabilities. He has worked endlessly to get the vision right for all our children, so they can have a safe, but wonderful experience of being in a garden. I thank you from all our families/children, and most importantly my team who will love it... Thank you.

Jane Woodhouse

"Greatly valued your guidance"

We would like to thank you for designing and transforming our run down vegetable garden and situating the glasshouse in its midst. We have appreciated your input and greatly valued your guidance.

Olga Barber

IN THE PRESS