The Habitat Garden

The border 

The Habitat Garden embraces current environmental and biodiversity challenges through an approach to garden creation that is both beautiful and beneficial. To reduce costs and maintenance needs, the space is planted as a naturalistic meadow that can be established from seed. A dynamic mix of native and non-native species, from Centaurea nigra (knapweed) to Oenothera biennis (evening primrose), creates a rich plant community that benefits wildlife, providing nectar for pollinators and food sources for insects and birds.

A standing dead tree and a deadwood corridor form the structural backbone. Not only is garden waste reused creatively, but this framework also provides habitat and vertical interest, offering a sense of natural permanence softened by the surrounding planting. By using sand, the designer improves resilience to climate change, by promoting deep root systems, while reducing the need for mulch and mains water. 

About the designers – Jonathan Mitchell and Katy Haywood Smith

Having worked in horticulture for the last 15 years, Jonathan oversees the running of both Teasels Landscapes and the Wild Garden Studio. With a Masters in Horticulture from the RHS, his passion is building gardens that are both beautiful and kind to the planet. Creating habitats within our garden spaces not only provides for biodiversity; it also allows us to connect with nature, benefitting our physical and mental wellbeing. He believes wilder gardens should become the new normal in the UK.

Holding a degree in Illustration from Falmouth University, Katy went on to further study in horticulture and garden design, while gaining practical experience working within the industry. Her creative approach and passion for nature is key in the projects created by Wild Garden Studio, and her hand drawn illustrations bring projects to life, allowing clients to experience the feel and form the garden will have during the design process.

The garden legacy

The garden will be broken into its component parts and re-used within a number of projects. Sand will be used as a low-nutrient substrate, deadwood will be used as features in similar garden projects and plants will be used in design projects.