Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

The garden

Visitors will see an eye shaped border with a reflective corten steel water ‘pupil’ and graduated bamboo posts that give verticality to the design. The garden reflects a personal belief that gardeners should feel free to choose plants simply because they find them beautiful.

The design is inspired by the human eye and the RGB colour model, alongside a personal interest in how people respond emotionally to colour and planting which is a current trend. The garden promotes personal wellbeing through gardening, colour psychology and the freedom to design with emotion and individuality rather than trends.

The planting

The planting follows a clear colour journey, with advancing reds and oranges at the front, transitioning through fresh greens into smoky blues and purples at the back. 

Key plants:

• Geum – strong spring colour and movement

• Allium – vertical rhythm and smoky colour

• Digitalis (foxglove) – height and drama

• Euphorbia – structure and green transition

• Heuchera – dark base and edge definition

Plant suppliers have been chosen who prioritise peat-free composts and UK grown stock, to reduce transport and environmental impact. Approximately 350-400 plants that will make up this border.

Sustainability

Elements will be relocated to the designer’s garden and he will document this process on his socials. He will also some plants and run giveaways.

The garden demonstrates how simple materials and strong planting can create impact with minimal heavy construction and landscaping.

The designer – Adam Marshall

Inspired by watching his mum transform her new build garden into a relaxing environment for the family, Adam’s style is beautiful but functional.  He now has five years’ experience in garden design and horticulture and believes that gardens should support everyday life, whether that’s exercising outdoors, hosting friends or providing space for children to enjoy.

Adam says, “Gardening is a form of art with the plants being the media. Designing a Blooming Border allows ideas about colour, perception and planting to be shared with a large public audience, in the ultimate expression of creativity.”