Exhibitors
Water Gardens
Biodynamic
Gardening Initiative
The Elementals Garden
Designer: Anny Konig
Sponsor: Weleda (UK) Ltd
Contractor: David Everitt, LeisureScapes
Click here to view a panorama of this garden.
To view a hi-res version of the image click on the image
The Elementals Garden is a magical enclave, a special hidden place you may suddenly chance upon which will enhance a sense of well-being. Two stones mark the entry to the path which leads you across stepping stones into the middle of the pool where you can sit and be close to the waterfall. To one side is a wildflower meadow - bright, sunny, hot and vibrant. On the other side of the pool, a three-stemmed birch shines out at the edge of the woodland edge surrounded by foxgloves, lady’s mantle and ferns. Birch trees offer shade.
The
sound of water mixes with the scent of herbs (rosemary, lavender and thyme),
the sound of grasses in the breeze and birdsong. The garden is in thirds;
sunny meadow, water, and shady wood giving a structure of harmony and balance.
Acorus, meadow grass studded with Bellis perennis and wild
strawberries soften the edge on the hot side, while Rumex and Prunella
soften the shadier side.
This garden is designed to attract wildlife with all flowering plants grown organically and biodynamically by The Cottage Herbery. A log pile provides a breeding site for stag beetles, slow worms and frogs. Crevices in the stone of the waterfall give more places for wildlife to live and breed. The stepping stones and slate gravel provide anchorage for frog spawn and homes for other aquatic wildlife. Tall-stemmed pond plants enable dragonfly and other larvae to climb up to hatch into their adult state. The garden needs no chemical input. Many of the plants are used in natural, herbal and homeopathic medicines and flower remedies.