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Six small gardens designed by
Kew’s final year Diploma students based on UK Biodiversity
themes
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The gardens have been generously supported
by SITA Environmental Trust.
Six showcase gardens illustrate different approaches
to using the UK’s native plants in a small garden plot.
The gardens are designed by Kew final year Diploma students,
who have been inspired by a diverse range of habitats and
landscapes, including disused railways as corridors for wildlife,
the native silver birch and the beauty of the Somerset Levels.
Each demonstrate ideas for you to use at home and is designed
to encourage a greater understanding of biodiversity in the
average domestic garden.
Loss of habitat constitutes the greatest treat to the existence
of UK plants and animals. Another major threat is the biological
invasion of alien plant species. Not all non-native species
are invasive and harmful, but many can take over and change
long established ecosystems.
Disused railways are quickly reclaimed by nature, and unless
they are managed as wildlife corridors, there is the danger
that non-native, invasive species can create monocultures
and spread rapidly. Careful management of such areas is important,
because they form natural passageways or corridors for wildlife,
helping animals to navigate though an increasingly fragmented
landscape of urban and agricultural development. This garden
is planted with both native and invader species and visitors
are invited to test their knowledge of each.
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The Somerset Levels is one of the famous and unique landscapes
within the UK. Originally reclaimed from the sea, the area
is now important for agriculture. On Reflection is a contemporary
interpretation of a ditch in the Somerset Levels, where the
reclaimed land provides a haven for wildlife. The garden design
picks out the main elements of the landscape, emphasising
the reflection of sunlight on the water, using mirrors and
metal strips. These are formed into modified grass leaves,
magnifying movement and sunlight within a small space. A woven
wire nest represents that of the reed warbler finding security
within the reeds.
The plant species chosen are all UK natives, planted en mass,
with the mirror maximising the space and simplicity of the
design. These plants species look attractive in a garden setting
but their beauty can be more appreciated in the natural habitat,
which is now increasingly under threat from development.
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The silver birch, called The Lady of the Woods by Samuel
Coleridge, one of Britain’s greatest poets, is an ancient
UK native, a pioneer. In Celtic mythology it represents the
emergence of spring. In biodiversity terms, this single plant
species provides food and shelter for over 230 insects, which
in turn attract animals. A charcoal kiln, long associated
with coppiced birch woodlands, is included in the garden design.
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Held within the confines of the garden boundary lies a rich
green oasis of diversity, creating a much needed buffer zone
from urban pollution and lifestyle. This design uses native
plants, often forgotten or discarded as weeds. The beauty
of the individual native plants is enhanced by the number
of different species growing together within a small space.
All of the plant material used is native to the UK and the
natural habitat of many of the species chosen is under threat
from human activities. The garden is designed to be relatively
low maintenance to give a natural wild look, whilst attracting
many animal species into the garden. The coppice provides
an area to walk through while relaxing.
The garden is built to show that many of the UK flora species
are well worth growing in the garden, but the emphasis should
be on preserving their natural habitat for future generations
to enjoy. The British hedgerow provides a home for plant and
animal species, and often supports more species than many
woodlands.
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Plant Zoo highlights the need for conservation of UK flora,
focussing upon the plight of native aquatic and waterside
plants. The design aims to be a provocative contemporary interpretation
of a British waterside habitat, intended to make viewers consider
their own ecological and conservation attitudes.
By producing a stark industrial landscape, all physical contact
with plants in this design has been removed. This design gives
an insight into how plants may be viewed in years to come
from behind bars in a Plant Zoo.
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This garden depicts a natural recovery from a derelict urban
area, with native plants thrusting up through the tarmac to
reclaim the space. Humans may wipe out species – even
themselves - but plants will always find a way to survive.
Nature will always return to areas man has finished spoiling,
reclaiming them for their rightful occupiers.
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info >>>
External Links:
• SITA
Environmental Trust
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