The Children’s Society
The Children’s Society Garden
Designer: Mark Gregory
Contractor: Landform Consultants
The Children’s Society Garden explores future urban living, where families can spend time together and children learn about environmental responsibility.
The garden sits in front of a contemporary house façade. The inhabitants use bicycles as their principle method of transport so secure, vertical bicycle storage is incorporated under the cantilevered porch. Water harvesting facilities, waste and recycling storage are also discreetly tucked away.
The garden uses vertical features, making the most of its small plot. Water gently flows down a basalt wall, flanked by living walls; dry plants at the top, wet thriving plants at the bottom. Two large Saphora japonica trees kiss in the centre of the garden, giving dappled shade under umbrella-pruned canopies.
The garden is encircled by a low fence and a variety of long grasses. Self seeding species and plants that attract butterflies and bees surround a shallow pool. Gravels allow rain water to return to the ground.
The design gives practical solutions to the environmental concerns of city families. The garden raises awareness of The Children’s Society’s vision that all children deserve a good childhood.