Exhibitors
SHOW GARDENS | WATER GARDENS | SMALL GARDENS | CONCEPTUAL GARDENS
INSPIRING SPACES | WINDOWBOXES & HANGING BASKETS
PLANTS | GROWING & SHOWING MARQUEE | MARKET PLACE |
Small Gardens
Jan Alway & Alison Down
The Front Line
Designers: Jan Always and Alison Down
Sponsor: Oaklands College
Contractor: Oaklands College
Click on the image to view a hi-res version
‘To pave or not to pave’ is the question with this garden. Statistics from local authorities show that London has lost two-thirds of its front gardens to hard surfacing. This small garden will represent a front garden in an urban area and demonstrate how off-road parking can be accomplished while maintaining a green and biodiverse environment.
The use of permeable, reinforced grass pavers creates a lawn surface designed for vehicle parking when required. Plants regarded as weeds are encouraged to naturalise in the lawn and garden to provide a habitat for insects, wildlife and birds. The colour palette includes yellows, purples and blues to attract insects. Natural light and street lighting are reflected through the garden by the copper tops to the wooden posts. The journey through the garden via the permeable gravel surface allows you to enjoy the ambience of the naturalistic planting and the biodiversity en route to the front door.