The Perennial Family Garden 2004 - Bronze Medal

'Perennial' - Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society is the only UK charity dedicated to helping professional horticulturists in need - either during their working life or in retirement. As more younger people approach the charity for support so the 'Perennial' garden reflects life with a young family.

The raised playhouse with veranda and balustrade encourages imaginative and creative play. Below is a paved area and covered sandpit. Silver birch provides the shade. The rest of the garden contains child-friendly elements e.g. a lawn and a safe water feature. A concrete path of fencing base panels with strong vertical lines echoes the lines of the decking. Concrete panels around the lawn act as a mowing strip. A silver birch under planted with grasses adds height. The timber pergola provides shade and a seating area with oak bench and an oak cube table with ample room for sun loungers and/or cushions. Three concrete pipe sections sprout leafy evergreens. A raised oak planter filled with pebbles, bubbles water. Herbaceous perennials, ferns, shrubs and grasses frame the garden.