The Perennial Garden 2003 - Silver Medal

The garden was created to coincide with the re-branding of the Gardeners Royal Benevolent Society to Perennial. The planting reflects this premise; perennials, grasses and shrubs. A blend of traditional materials, wood, stone and slate combine with contemporary features like the 'living' pyramids; metal frames planted with trailing annuals. The 'house' is constructed entirely from wood even the tiles on the roof are wooden. The 'walls' provide a contemporary feel being made from material or plastic and provide an enclosed sheltered area.

The garden has been designed to create a relaxing atmosphere. A still sheet of water lies between the three seating areas and grasses surround the 'house' providing soothing swaying area.

A timber-edged slate path leads to the pond and its adjacent lawns. Three Indian stones step across a sheet of water. Two lawns lie either side of the pool; they have a timber rail as a mowing strip. A pair of stone benches mirror each other across the garden. Two arms of the slate path link the lawns to the timber decking in front of the 'house'. On either side of the decking there is a growing pyramid. The whole of the building is made from timber. A single variety of grasses surround the 'house' on three sides. The planting in the rest of the garden is composed of perennials and aquatic plants in the pool.