This pocket planting is a raingarden with a series of limestone stepping stones across a central wet channel and gently sloping berms, filled with adaptable plants that can withstand temporary waterlogging. It is both functional and beautiful, seeking to inspire homeowners to future-proof their gardens, by capturing and using rainwater to prevent the negative effects of stormwater runoff.

The garden is lightly contoured to create different zones based on each plants’ drainage needs. It contains plants that thrive in boggy conditions and prairie-style planting that can tolerate the extremes of drought and heavy rain. The multi-stem hornbeam is not only a stunning feature, but also a folklore symbol of resilience, associated with confidence in our ability to endure and remaining optimistic in the face of adversity.

At a glance:

Who is this garden for?
Anyone with a wet and boggy garden.
Where is the garden set?
West of Ireland
Who or what is the design inspiration?
This raingarden is inspired by the designer’s experience as a water engineer and the growing challenge of managing extremes of rainfall.

• The garden build will involve the use of a stone by-product, instead of pea gravel in the drainage layer of the raingarden.
• A jute liner (rather than a plastic-based landscaping fabric) will be used underneath the aggregate layer to ensure that it can be removed easily for collection and transferred to its final destination.
• No concrete, cement, plastic or timber is being used in the build.
• There are no semi-mature trees included in the design and therefore no need for automated machinery for hard or soft landscaping.

The garden will be relocated in full to Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland to be installed at All Hallows Convent. This convent was vacant and derelict for 14 years but is currently being restored by the local community.