At a glance: Inspired by a volcanic environment, the garden highlights how seeds represent the potential for growth and hope for the future
“The garden is about seeds,” explains Joe Perkins. “They represent optimism, hope for the future and resilience - a nice parallel with the work that the King’s Trust (formerly the Prince’s Trust) does with young people.”
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The garden is inspired by volcanic, rocky Mediterranean landscapes. “It's designed to be an immersive space,” says Joe. “Steps lead to a series of basalt paths that guide visitors past a sinuous sunken valley and a communal area and up to an intimate sanctuary space.” Screen-printed glass panels depicting various seed dispersal methods (symbolising social mobility) weave along one side of the garden, before forming a glass and steel canopy above the sanctuary. “If one of the panels broke, it would make things very difficult – I think there's a minimum of seven days to make a new one…” says Joe.
The plants include pioneering species that can succeed in hostile environments exposed to extreme rainfall, drought or fire, and annuals such as poppies (Oreomecon nudicaulis 'Pacino') that can grow and disperse seed in a single growing season. Beneath two towering (14m) black pines will be structural trees and shrubs such as Ostrya carpinifolia and layered drifts of subshrubs, grasses and perennials in muted silvery greys and greens, accented by pops of colour.
In keeping with the volcanic theme, many of the materials such as basalt, glass and steel have come about through heat and are fully or partially recycled, recyclable or reclaimed. All the hard surfaces and walling materials will be constructed using ‘unbound’ methods, eliminating the need for cement. “This permeable approach is crucial for mitigating intense rainfall events,” says Joe. It also means that the garden can be easily relocated to Uxbridge College, where it will be used by young people on The King’s Trust programmes, other students and the local community.
3 KEY ELEMENTS
- Coloured glass and steel panels. Designed by glass artist James Cockerill, they feature screen-printed macro photography of seeds and seedpods, and are secured into the ground using
helical piles (ground screws). At the back of the garden, the panels will form a light-filled building. “The idea of coloured glass comes from the ecclesiastical use, bringing illumination and education
into people’s lives,” says Joe. - Two large sculptural timber benches Made by West Sussex-based craftsman Oli Carter, these seats feature in the communal space of the garden. Their organic shape will reference seedpods. Oli’s ash shou sugi ban-style benches featured in Ula Maria’s Best in Show woodland garden last year.
- Basalt, steel and glass – materials formed by processes of heat – reflect the volcanic landscape that is the inspiration for the garden.
Designer Joe Perkins Sponsor Project Giving Back for The King’s Trust Contractor Landscaping Consultants Plants Deepdale Trees, Kelways Plants Structure James Cockerill Furniture Oli Carter Relocating to Uxbridge College in west London