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Just Living Gardens
East Meets West
Designer: Philip Hinchliffe
Sponsor: Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council
Contractor: OMBC Parks Division
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This garden depicts the integration of two cultures, combining the traditions of both English and Islamic gardens. Islamic gardens are always enclosed and private. Geometry and symmetry are employed to interpret a way of life and a moral code into physical objects and spaces. English gardens are predominantly open, incorporating many features from abroad.
The design incorporates the key elements of an Islamic garden in an English style. The traditional Islamic garden is made up of parallel planes that divide the garden into four quarters. This concept has been adopted here through the use of a diamond shape to divide the garden, which is repeated on the rear wall. Large pillars emphasise the enclosed nature of the design.
The planting incorporates separate beds of hot and cool colours, using a selection of plants from all over the world in the style of an English cottage garden.
Water trickles over the layers of the water feature, providing a cooling centrepiece on a warm summer’s day.