Last week Grand Designs Live was running at the ExCel Exhibition Centre in London, showcasing the latest trends in home interiors, gardens and self-build projects. Trulawn went along to find out what’s new in contemporary gardening. Here’s the lowdown on the show gardens:
Mark O’Neill ‘Wild Life’
Mark O’Neill comes from a fashion design background which might be some explanation for his unusual show garden titled ‘Wild Life’. It is described as a ‘densely packed secret garden’ which is evident from the living walls of ferns, evergreens, floriferous perennials and childlike fort construction in the centre. O’Neill describes the structure as a ‘pavilion’, suggesting it should be used rather than simply something to look at. It is made of reclaimed tubular copper, one of the many examples at GD Live of reusing materials in new ways, and has bespoke copper birdhouses and feeders concealed within. The design is a more abstract example of the literal desire to get ‘close to nature in the modern world’, which whilst an admirable aim, might be difficult to construct in an average British garden!
Caroline Jenkins ‘The Wildlife All Round Garden’
Originally from France and with a background in international trade and agricultural policy, Caroline Jenkins’ garden is based on a circular theme with a contemporary rustic feel. This is the sort of garden you can imagine translating well into suburban homes with clear communal areas for sitting, practical stone grounding as well as a water feature to enjoy. Pergolas covered in white flowers divide the areas and offer a welcome splash of colour against dark green grasses and brown wood benching. The circular theme is something seen throughout the GD Live exhibits perhaps because it represents structure but in a softer form.
Colin R. Smith ‘Reclaimed by Nature. Reused by People’
Smith’s garden was designed mainly to attract wildlife, citing the dwindling bee population as a main inspiration. Plants of various heights with beautiful large flowers surround a rustic brick path as well as being packed within a wooden wall. Most of his materials came from reclamation yards or landscape yards emphasising again the need to reuse materials and create eco conscious spaces. Smith described his intent for the garden to have ‘the feel of just being found, hidden away allowing nature to partly take back what was once hers’. This is a lovely sentiment, and once completed, would be a charming garden to relax in.
