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The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

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Exhibited by Independent Gardening Ltd/Fi Boyle Garden Design

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The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

Overall view of the garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

Detail in the Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

Detail in the Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

Detail in the Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden

The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden The Combat Stress Therapeutic Garden
Silver Medal Winner
Themes
Sponsored by
Cirencester Civil Engineering Ltd
Designed by
Fi Boyle Garden Design
Built by
Cirencester Civil Engineering Ltd
Web
www.independentgardening.co.uk

This garden has been designed to be used by ex-Service personnel undergoing rehabilitation for PTSD and other psychological wounds at Combat Stress. The design is gentle and flowing, with honey-coloured paths complementing the dry stone walling. It embraces the specific needs of its users: the benches are safe, with clear lines of sight and no space for hidden threats such as bombs; there are areas for contemplation with reflective water; and the planting is robust yet soothing (no red or orange), with a mix of evergreens and perennials for year-round interest.

The centrepiece is a young oak tree purchased by veterans to replace the one felled at Combat Stress’s headquarters, where the garden will be installed after the show.
 

Expert commentary by Phil Clayton and Chris Young, The Garden

The outstanding aspect here is the repeated balls of box, holding the whole planting together. There is a sense of movement if not rhythm throughout the planting. Purple and pink bring a touch of informality to the predominant green. In essence, this is a pleasant space.

The swirling centrepiece of the low stone wall brings a curve and height to the garden, and the circular theme is continued with a circular pond. The garden sticks well to its theme - the ex-servicemen undergoing treatment for post traumatic stress - with soothing plants and year-round wide access for wheelchairs.
 

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