Going above and beyond with Ivy + Stone

Going above and beyond with Ivy + Stone: A meticulous eye for attention, Ben Thomas set up Ivy + Stone Landscapes back in 2020 to create high quality gardens while building strong client relationships. After working with names across the industry including Els Tisserand, Justin Himpson, Paul Newman and Darren Jaques, and coming highly recommended at that, it acts as a testament to the way he runs his business.

“We try to encapsulate an entire package together – with both high quality gardens and a professional service. We also try to make the client’s journey as kind of enjoyable as possible,” explains Thomas.

Aware that during the construction of a new garden, Thomas and his team minimise how invasive this can be for clients, their home and their neighbours. Adamant on mitigating any concerns, the team will contact the neighbours ahead of time as a prewarning in case of road blockages for deliveries or noise levels.

Offering design, build and maintenance services, Ivy + Stone operates with a commitment to “inspire an ‘I love it’ reaction—spaces where you can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy the benefits of nature,” explains Thomas.

Recently, the landscaper has been working with Jaques on a paving project, which can be found on Instagram. Referring to it as “crazy paving”, Thomas explains the diligent work it took in order to put the creative design together:

“Each stone had to be individually cut to size. It’s like a big jigsaw puzzle! Every single stone was cut, dressed, laid – it’s incredibly mentally testing. But, the overall outcome is always worth it.”

An avid Instagram user, Ivy + Stone has found success from posting videos of garden builds on the social media app. From attracting new designers and receiving engagement from all sorts of viewers, Thomas has found success in channelling some energy into the app. A recent video reached six and a half million views, for example. “That’s what is setting us apart at the moment and putting us on the map,” he states.

In 2024, the design and build company received an Association of Professional Landscapers Award for New Company of the Year. The company is also a finalist in two categories for the APL Awards 2026 in project value £50,000 – £65,000 and Hard Landscaping.

Thomas looks forward to many more “cool and unique” projects, just as the bigger companies are doing. “We’ll get there one day, we just have to keep going.”

As Ivy + Stone approaches its sixth birthday, Thomas is on the hunt for eager staff as the company grows.

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