A man with gray hair and a mustache tending to orange orchids and other green plants outdoors near a gray wooden house.

Meet the Owner

On November 1, 1975, Thomas Hobbs opened his now famous flower shop on West 41st Avenue in Kerrisdale—what would soon become one of Vancouver’s most beloved florists. Originally from Richmond, BC, he arrived in the city knowing no one, but followed his instincts and pursued his dream.

Rather than traditional triangular arrangements of gladiolus and chrysanthemums, Hobbs gravitated toward moss and twigs, orchids and clay pots. His fresh, natural style resonated with customers and quickly attracted a devoted clientele, including celebrities and royalty.

Today, although Hobbs has moved on to the nursery industry—his childhood dream—the florist shop that still bears his name continues to thrive in its original location.
Tom (as he likes to be known as) and his life partner of 45+ years , Brent Beattie, bought a 20 acre farm in South Langley, BC, in 2011. After looking at dozens of properties , they settled on a rolling , triangular chunk of land that “had it all” - a river, enormous evergreen trees , flat open areas, and only one neighbour. With lots of space to garden and grow almost anything, the farm is now a vision of natural and cultivated beauty . Although not “open to the public” , it is usually open for group tours when requested.

Bold Leaps—S1 E20

Check out the Bold Leaps episode on CHEKTV/YouTube featuring Thomas Hobbs, an author, entrepreneur, florist, and plant guru on how he pursed his dreams.

Books

A vibrant garden scene with large, spiky leaves, red and purple leaves, and small green plants on the ground.

Shocking Beauty

by Thomas Hobbs

In Shocking Beauty, Thomas Hobbs presents a bold, original approach to garden design, using inspiring essays and examples from exceptional gardens across North America and Europe. Emphasizing nature as the ultimate guide, he explores how color, texture, and plant combinations can create truly striking spaces. Featuring over 200 full-colour photos, this thought-provoking book inspires both new and experienced gardeners to see the beauty of nature in a whole new way.

A garden scene featuring a large stone pot with succulents and plants, surrounded by vibrant flowers and decorative elements, including a water feature with a large greenish-blue stone.

The Jewel Box Garden

by Thomas Hobbs

Discover how to transform your garden into a “jewel box” of beautiful plant treasures. In this follow-up to Shocking Beauty, Thomas Hobbs shares his creative gardening philosophy through 12 inspiring chapters and 160 stunning full-colour photos by David McDonald, encouraging readers to design peaceful, expressive outdoor spaces.

Articles

Fine Gardening

Tips for Working With Summer Bulbs with Thomas Hobbs.

CBC News

What Vancouver gardeners need to know about an early spring.

Fine Gardening

Plants That Freshen Up The Fall Garden With Thomas Hobbs.

Global News

Gardening with Thomas Hobbs.

Fine Gardening

8 Summer Bulbs That Every Garden Needs with Thomas Hobbs.

Style at Home

Decorating with plants and flowers.

Montecristo Magazine

Thomas Hobbs and His Farm - Outdoor oasis.

Seattle Times

Vancouver’s Tom Hobbs moves to an urban condo with a cool outdoor vibe.

House & Home Magazine

How To Create A French Country-Inspired Garden.