Harmonium

Context:
Show Garden_Bloom 2009

Brief:
“An invitation to engage with a theme of harmony in its broadest sense, not just intellectually, but in a very tangible and practical way. The garden may either be seen as a stand alone entity, or as one that forms part of a larger community space, within a public or semi-private environment, for example, a park, shared green zone, or school grounds”.

Concept:
A contemplative garden, exploring a theme of inner and outer harmony, within the individual, in the world, and in nature. Our key motif representing harmony, that of a drop entering into the ocean and becoming one with it, is meaningfully crafted into each design element listed below. A notable design feature are two types of stormwater swale, used as a means to reduce flooding in urban areas. They represent a sustainable, and therefore harmonious, approach to dealing with this current environmental issue.

Key elements:
Stormwater swales, ripple effect paving design, bespoke curved illuminating bench, steel water drop sculpture, mosaic glass works, contemplative artwork, poetry and music, rock design outdoor speakers, mood lighting, specimen tree and rich herbaceous planting.

Key plants:
Focal/specimen
Cornus alternifolia ‘Argentea’ – Silver pagoda dogwood
Evergreen/texture
Asplenium scolopendrium – Hart’s tongue fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris – Ostrich fern
Texture/movement/seedhead
Juncus effusus – Soft rush
Phalaris arundinacea var. picta – Gardener’s garters
Foliage/flower
Iris sibirica ‘Ego’ – Siberian iris ‘Ego’
Darmera peltata – Umbrella plant
Ligularia przewalskii – Przewalski’s golden ray
Persicaria bistorta ‘Superba’ – Red bistort ‘Superba’