Health giving garden trends reign supreme at Hampton
One of the trends emerging from this year's Hampton Court Palace Flower Show has been the design of gardens for holistic health and general well being. Studies into the benefits of gardening have led experts to recommend that a daily exposure to plants helps maintain health and well being and to those of us who garden regularly the benefits and intrinsic joy that such activity brings are obvious.
In the small gardens category The Natural Reflexology Garden, (pictured left) designed by Louise Wright of Wright Gardens, (awarded a Silver-Gilt Flora) takes its inspiration from the Far East where Reflexology paths can be found in public parks. The garden brings native planting into an urban plot in a contemporary way and is designed with a young, trendy couple in mind, while at the same time supporting wildlife in the city. The reflexology path, together with a bubble foot spa, offers a relaxing and therapeutic area to entertain and chill out - walking barefoot on the reflexology pebbles is optional! We loved it and congratulations to Louise, Jane Beard and Sue Hazeldean, the team which brought it to Hampton.
The Alternative Feng Shui Garden, designed by Lisa Grant, Michael Rowland and Johanna Donne uses the five elements of Feng Shui - fire, earth, metal, water and wood - woven into a garden designed on Feng Shui principles but not in oriental style. Lisa realised the inspiration for the garden after watching a programme on 'Le Chaire' and the design demonstrates how you can bring the principles of Feng Shui into your own garden using a traditional planting style.
Still in the small gardens category, Sunken Seclusion from Filmscapes Limited, is a town garden designed to make the most of a small area. A contemporary garden for stressed-out adults the Zen-like atmosphere uses hard and soft landscaping. The tranquil shades of white, pink and mauve, shade loving woodland plants and wonderful Chamomile, give this garden a peaceful feel. For designer Hadrian Whittle and Filmscapes Ltd a deserved Silver-Gilt Flora.
Jacqueline and Samantha-Jayne Stanton have created a garden for carers of the terminally ill. Through the Looking Glass (awarded a Bronze Flora) is a place for carers to collect their thoughts and renew their energy levels. A delightful garden combining planting and stained glass to create tranquillity.
In the Water Gardens category, Anglo Aquariaum brought us Resting Place for a Hero, (awarded Gold & pictured right) - This garden, designed to signify a timeless resting place for a wandering warrior, reminds us every human has a need to rest and recharge.The design is based around a pool of water, with aquatic and marginal planting which is bold and well-defined. This garden was awarded the Tudor Rose Award.
Time to Reflect, awarded a Silver Gilt, was another peaceful and energy giving water garden, designed by Lillies Water Gardens. Here is a place to reflect the beauty and variety of natural woodland and planting – this was a garden you did really want to stand and stare in – exquisite.
In the small gardens category The Natural Reflexology Garden, (pictured left) designed by Louise Wright of Wright Gardens, (awarded a Silver-Gilt Flora) takes its inspiration from the Far East where Reflexology paths can be found in public parks. The garden brings native planting into an urban plot in a contemporary way and is designed with a young, trendy couple in mind, while at the same time supporting wildlife in the city. The reflexology path, together with a bubble foot spa, offers a relaxing and therapeutic area to entertain and chill out - walking barefoot on the reflexology pebbles is optional! We loved it and congratulations to Louise, Jane Beard and Sue Hazeldean, the team which brought it to Hampton.
Still in the small gardens category, Sunken Seclusion from Filmscapes Limited, is a town garden designed to make the most of a small area. A contemporary garden for stressed-out adults the Zen-like atmosphere uses hard and soft landscaping. The tranquil shades of white, pink and mauve, shade loving woodland plants and wonderful Chamomile, give this garden a peaceful feel. For designer Hadrian Whittle and Filmscapes Ltd a deserved Silver-Gilt Flora.