The sculptural
centre-piece of woven reinforcing bars (Rebar) swooped and flowed through
clouds of wildflowers and tranquil water creating a garden which was both
relaxing and dreamy. Luxurious curves, beautiful reflections and stunning
planting combinations made this a garden which was instantly appealing.
The central larch deck and wildflower roof offered to cocoon, protect
and entrance. A generous fire pit and comforting pillows beckoned at the
centre of this peaceful haven leaving the visitor with visions of late
summer evenings spent in a spell-binding setting.
Gardening
Scotland PR agent, Agnes Stevenson said of the garden, "Everyone
at the Show was wowed by it. I think the Reinforcing Nature Show Garden
has raised the standard at Gardening Scotland to new levels."
Design
and Build
Sam
Lowndes of Water Gems formulated the intricate and sensitive
design of the garden last autumn. It then took five months to prepare
the four and a half tonne Rebar structure which had to be craned onto
an articulated lorry and escorted to the showground by police outriders.
‘Following on from our success at BALI, we wanted to showcase
our work for our home audience here in Scotland,’ said Nick
Benge of Water Gems. ‘We are thrilled by the response to the
show garden.’
Planting
companions
The use of
a biodiverse wildflower matting in the garden was complimented by drifts
of Stipa tenuifolia, Astrantia major Ruby, Ranunculus aconitum ‘Pleniflorus’
and Geranium sylvaticum ‘Mayflower’. Rodgersia pinnata ‘Superba’
combined with Carex buchananii, testacea and comans ‘Bronze’
to mimic the colours of the Rebar while one of the most popular borders
of the garden contained a dreamy mix of Paeonia Claire de Lune, Sanguisorba
and Salvia nemerosa ‘Caradonna’. The excellent quality of
the plants themselves was down to the skill and experience of fellow exhibitor,
Billy Caruthers of Binny Plants, who supplied the plants.
Carolyn explains,
‘I used the wildflower matting to problem-solve some of the
trickier surfaces in the garden and then selected the cultivated plants
to mimic the wildflower effect. Overall, though, it was the meticulous
attention to detail and a true sense of team spirit which made this show
garden so particularly special.’
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