Inspired Exteriors was invited to create a show garden for the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) where we were asked to create a landscape that embodied the themes of ecology, biodiversity and environmental protection.
In this design, we play with the juxtaposition between the natural and the man-made landscapes. A link between the spaces is created by the use of water, which represents life on Earth. Planting around man-made elements is dense and natural, showing a variety of biodiversity, while planting closer to the hard elements will be more controlled and restrained.
The natural world outside the paved spaces encroaches on the landscape, softening the whole experience. Select seating areas provide spaces to reflect on humans’ influence on the environment and how we have affected the world we live in.
The natural beauty of the woodland environment is reflected in the garden’s outer limits. A subtle and seamless transition takes place moving towards the centre of the garden with designed elements and planting featuring strong structure and balance. The network of water rills carries themes of biodiversity towards the central ‘eternal flame’.