GARDEN LANE : SITE SUGGESTIONS

GARDEN LANE: SITE SUGGESTIONS The Ridge, Backlands Development

John Muir Artist in Residence 2016 Kathy Beckett Grow Wild Brand Guidelines

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Grow Wild, Kew & The Big Lottery Logos Welsh Lock Up There are also both portrait and landscape versions of the Welsh version of the partner lock up.

As with the primary logo, the colour on black mark is preferable when the application is to be viewed from a distance, and the colour on white mark is preferable for corporate materials when printing high volumes.

Portrait

CONCLUSIONS The following site suggestions for The RIdge’s Backlands Development are based on the COMMUNITY RESPONSES which were gathered during GARDEN LANE: OPEN STUDIO and other public/staff engagement activities. These activities are detailed in the COMMUNITY RESPONSES .pdf file.

After organising participants post-its and drawings some clear themes emerged which are illustrated in the COMMUNITY RESPONSES .pdf and text is repeated here.

The site suggestions respond to these conclusions hoping to offer a solution that utilises as many of the suggestions as are compatible. This is also twinned the personal interests Kathy developed over the John Muir Artist Residency time.

FRUIT TREES Planting fruit trees was the most popular idea from all GARDEN LANE: OPEN STUDIO participants. The Ridge already have plans to grow espalier fruits trees within the Garden and given the public response, designs will maximise the productivity of space used to plant them.

SENSORY GARDEN A space for a sensory garden could serve multiple functions. It may be included in a gathering area, or within a specifically designated area. Many sense stimulating herbs are also medicinal and include dye plants. The growing of these plants may provide a variety of uses.

MAZE Both the idea of a maze or winding paths came up for people. This may be used in the variety of smaller areas of the site as disabled access requires main paths to have a width of 1.5 metres. Paths could be implemented using a variety of interesting techniques as pictured above.

COOKING Food gathers people and many of the public activities held within the site are likely to include eating together. The Ridge staff and volunteers suggested a BBQ or even a clay / cob oven.

WATER Despite the sea being so close to the site, people were drawn to a water feature, in particular, folks were interested in having a pond that might promote wildlife. This could be very simple or it also might prove to be a creative installation in itself. The Ridge have a water sourcing plan in place though there is no rain water harvesting on site as of yet.

ANIMALS / CREATURES Children, in particular, were interested in the presence of animals on the site. This could take the form of fish in the pond or even a flock of chickens. Or it might be even more subtle, by ensuring their are good habitats for natural wildlife to flourish.

COMPOST

GROWING

A bay compost system is in place with a solid operation plan. The Ridge already intend to run a project around food waste and to install a compost toilet.

There were all sorts of ideas for things and ways to grow! Use of the walls and allotted space for community members were recurring themes.

GAMES & PLAY

SEATING A place to sit and relax is second in priority to fruit trees for those who participated. There is a perceived lack of resting space adjacent to the High Street and The Backlands is a sheltered location in comparison to the seating along the sea front.

Hammocks were also of interest.

HERITAGE Participants respected Dunbar’s traditional walls and wished for them to remain intact. The Ridge has already taken measures to repair the walls within the site. Interpretation boards explaining the site’s heritage along side the renovation of the ‘monks walk’ would be a valuable future project. Designs for pathways could make use of the red stone.

EDUCATION The public engagement process highlighted a range of workshops that people would be interested in participating in. The Backlands project is already set up as a training centre and the need for this was proven by this process. North Light Arts also plan further workshops and the desire for educational activities confirms the need a for a sheltered space that this can take place in within the garden. There is an existing log cabin which may be sufficient for this.

MUSIC / EVENTS The Backlands will be a vibrant community hub and the Ridge Staff are particularly excited to see people use the space in this way. Folk suggested an outdoor cinema or theatre space for performances to happen, and this suggests the need for a stage or raised area where an audience can gather. Sessions may need to remain acoustic due to consideration for neighbours.

While there a good selection of play parks around Dunbar, the site should include elements of play. It may not be as literal as some of the suggestions iluustrated in the COmmunity Responses .pdf , but it does need to be considered to ensure young people (and all ages!) can engage in space which is fun. See the two projects below....

COLOUR Colour was important to many of the young people and, when experimenting with the botanical inks in public engagement workshops, many drew rainbows (many also coloured the neighbouring houses in multicolours!). A colourful site would be especially stimulating and engaging for young people but would benefit all ages

FURTHER ARTIST COMISSIONS KINETIC / ENERGY SCULPTURE

In response to the theme of Games and Play a Kinetic Sculpture (suggested by three people) might serve as a future artist commission. This sculpture might also generate energy through being powered by the wind or sun MIRRORS

One of The Ridge’s Gardeners proposed the idea of a mirror installed in the shaded garden area, which was also enjoyed by a member of the public. This could catalyse a further artist commission which could use reclaimed broken mirror pieces.

THE BACKLANDS: Suggested Site Zones Outdoor Gallery

The Other Side of Garden Lane

Many people hoped for kinetic sculptures inparticular. Given that this area is naturally elevated, those in the lane can see what ever it holds. It could also be sufficiently protected from interference.

This part of the site is not yet opened up and it makes it more challenging to know what the space is like and, what it is asking to become.

Community ideas that could work in this space are: - A project bed that rotates around different growing themes or groups.

- Sensory relaxation garden.

- Dyer’s garden beds.

- Hidding places and mazes.

- Alloted community growing space.

Garden Lane During public consultation wild flowers were planted in triangular beds on the thin North side of the lane.The Design for the lane will look at the area approaching the Ridge’s decking at the East side of the Lane.

Gathering Space Given the suggestions for various events this space may lend itself to a gathering area, and could include a theatre space / stage.

Log Cabin Training space

This area might include elements of medicinal or sensory herbs.

It is a likely space for cooking or fire activities as well.

Shaded relaxation area This area is favoured as calm and shaded space where people can relax with more seclusion than the other spaces. Benches are therefore important in this area and it must also be low maintainance.

This area was suggested as a good location for mirror based sculptures.

It might also house bird boxes and bug hotels and could be the main area of the site that is specifically dedicated to wildlife.

Compost Toilet not yet installed.

Tool Shed

Bay composting system

Pollytunnel

Soft Fruit Bushes Potatoes and other annual veg are currently planted here though given the partial shade this would make an appropriate area for pernnial soft fruit bushes, as suggested by the gardeners.

Outdoor Cinema space and sheltered gathering area as suggest by the Ridge.

Market Garden The Ridge are currently working on installing their plan for a productive market garden in this space.

Raised Beds Raised beds have recently been installed here. They will likely grow a varriety of annual vegetables.

Espalier Fruit Trees This South facing wall makes a perfect location for espalier fruits trees. An idea which was much loved during the consultation process.

6m

Stone and various hard materials currently stored in this site.

14m

Secondary to the importance of fruits trees, participants of GARDEN LANE: OPEN STUDIO suggested that a space for workshops, other forms of learning, music, events and, seating were important to them.

North Light Arts have also indicated that a stage and green roofed workshop space are desireable.

The design therefore combines these two needs by placing seating appropriately so that people can gather and also view a stage.

Dunbar Backlands Regeneration ZONE: ‘GATHERING SPACE’

A toddler from Cherry Tree nursury suggested a rainbow theme, many of the young people drew rainbows during the Travelling Plant Menagerie workshops and throughout the project their has been discussion of a rainbow planting design. In addition to this many of the young people involved in the consultation emphasized the importance of a space that is fun, and colourful.

This design therefore responds to the need for a fun and interesting space to gather in and walk around.

GATHERING SPACE : 1.

6m

Rainbow Circular Seating

DRAWINGS NOT TO SCALE: zone dimensions provided

The structure of this drawing may evoke the aesthetics of a formally implemented decorative flower bed display. However, the plants chosen, being perennial, self seeding annuals and wild flowers, would offer an organic interplay between the colours of the rainbow as the garden developed and grew. The plants suggested below are purely examples and more research would be needed in order to make suitable choices for the particular conditions of the site, how plants interact with one another and, the height/rate at which they grow. Plants could be positioned so that their height gradiates from the wall to the central pathway, which is 1.5m in width and suitable for wheel cheer access.

1.5m

Varrieties of heritage red and orange fruiting apple trees e.g.

Bloody Ploughman (19th c) Blenheim orange (18th c) Further research around good combinations for pollination needed.

14m

2.

Red flowering perenials e.g.

Pine-leaf Penstemon Penstemon pinifolius Moerheim Beauty Helenium Annuals: Poppy Papaver rhoeas

6m

Purple and pink flowering plants including: Hollyhock Alcea Rosea (dye plant) Alkanet Alkanna tincotria (dye plant) Aquilegea Viper’s Bugloss Echium vulgare Foxglove Digitalis pupurea Heather Calluna vulgaris (dye plant) Red Campion Silene dioica Thrift Armeria maritima Crimson Scabious Knautia macedonica

Dunbar Red Sandstone cobbled pathway.

1.5m

Yellow and orange flowering perenials which also produce dyes e.g.

Yellow Flag Iris Iris pseudocorus Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia Tickseed, Coreopsis Golden Rod Solidago St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum Annuals / Biannuals: Dyer’s Chamomile Arthemis tinctoria Calendula Calendula officianalis (non dye) Bird’s foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus (non dye) Cow Slip Primula veris (non dye) Daffodil Narcissus

14m

3.

6m

Stone used for curved seating or fire pit.

Grass mix growing through pathways stabilised with Rubber Stabilisation Matt..

Reclaimed timber or locally sourced from Dunbar community woodland, used for decking

Circular picnic benches. m

1.5

Fragrant Lawn pathway - grasses interpersed with wild thyme, ladies mantle and other wild scented herbs.

Green roofed shed. Scotia Seeds green roof mix.

When the path is walked along or sat in the scents are released.

Blue and purple Perennials and wildflowers (e.g. Devils Bit Scabious or Cornflower) interspursed with edible herbs such as lavender and borage.

14m

Fabric awning which can be erected when necessary.

Pizza Oven made from local Dunbar stone.

Green Roofed Studio / Shed Sense stimulating herbs planted into a curved seat.

Rainbow Planting

Red Sandstone Sloaped path of 1.5m width

6m

20m

Everygreen: Holly / Cyprus Plum

Pear

Apple

Dunbar Backlands Regeneration ZONE: ‘SHADED WILD AREA’

Of all the participants of GARDEN LANE: OPEN STUDIO, nine stated an interest in fruit trees. This was the most popular idea of all shared. There are a few fruits trees already in situ and plans for further cordoned / espalier fruits trees to be grown along the walls in other areas of site. The design for this area hopes to mazimize it’s productivity by growing very low maintainance plants that are planted in a combinations which are mutually supportive. The design therefore references some Forest Garden principles by using edible perennials and including a shrub and herbacious layer, underneath the tree canopy.

SHADED WILD AREA : Low Maintaintance Edible 'Forest’

DRAWINGS NOT TO SCALE: zone dimensions provided

1.

6m

Main ground coverage:

20m

2.

6m

t Pathway strimmed to natural desire lines that emerge within the space.

Logs used to help mark.

Scotia Seeds Woodland Mix: 20% Wild Flower Bugle Wild Garlic Giant Bellflower Enchanters Nightshade Foxglove Herb Robert Herb Bennet Bluebell Slender St Johns Wort Greater Woodrush Primrose Common Figwort Red Campion Ragged Robin Hedge Woundwort Wood Sage Upright Hedge Parsley Bush vetch Common Dog Violet 80% grasses Common Bent (c) Crested Dog’s Tail (c) Chewings Fescue (c) Wood Meadow Grass (c) Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass (c)

t

20m

3.

Stone Paving e.g. reclaimed paving slabs.

6m

Trellis Concrete Pools referencing Dunbar’s basalt columns.

Dunbar Red sandstone Stone / Mosaic shapes embeedded into Earth as pathway.

20m

Benches

All three designs assume the planting of fruit bushes and companion herbs as Design 2. illustrates. Designs 1 and 3 explore alternative options for path and pond structures.The main ground coverage is a woodland mix seed that can be supplied by Scotia Seeds and is detailed to the left.

A list of other edible perenials and woodland loving plants is detailed below, these can be interspursed throughout the space following specific research into their preferences. Many of them can either obtained from Plants with Purpose in Perthshire or from the Red Shed Nursury in Coldstream. Seeds are also available from the Agroforestry Research Trust iin Dartington. Edible water dwelling plants could also be another line of research and subsequent design/implementation.

Fruit bushes and companion herbs: Black Current / Red Current Raspeberry / Tayberry/Loganberry Gooseberry t

Tansy (planted in large pots to restrict) Honeyberry (edible honeysuckle) Yarrow Strawberry / Wild Strawberry

Edible Perennial / Self seeding annuals:

interplanted surrounding trees and shrubs to form a Herbacious and ground cover layer. (Many available at plantsandapples.co.uk - Perthshire) Sorrel Rumex acetosa - for salads Red Veined Sorrel - for salads Ladies Mantle - as tea (can be eaten) Comfrey - for green manure (can be eaten) Lemon Balm - as tea/herb and pest deterant Mints (various) - as tea/herb and pest deterant (grown in pots as vigorous) Sweet Cicely - for salads Climbing Nasturtiam (next to trees)- for salads and pest deterant Ramsons (wild garlic) - for salads/cooking and fruit tree companion Horseradish - Edible root Lovage - Herb/Salad Sea Kale Crambe maritima- as cooked leaf Tree Spinach - Chenopodium giganteum - edible leaves and shoots Good King Henry Chenopodium bonus-henricus - salad or cooked leaf Marhsmallow Althea officinalis - edible flowers and leaves Giant Bellflower Campanula latifolia - edible leaves Salad Burnett - Sanguissorba minor - young leaves as salad Allium: Babington’s Leek/Tree Onion /Multiplier Onions /Chives For the bees: Bistort / Lupin / Lungwort

Trellis with trained Edible Honeysuckle.

Various Forest Garden suited edible perennials.

Curved Bench, behind planting.

Pond made up of mutliple pools.

Logs giving structure to path.

27m

23m

Existing Growth Dog Rose / Scottish Rose Cotoniasta Hawthorne Rowan Snowberry - Symphoricarpos Elder (6m max height) Buddlia Bramble Feverfew Forget me not Hemlock Thistle Valerian Crawling/Nepalsese Raspberry - Rubus 3.2m Wheeley Bins

Dunbar Backlands Regeneration ZONE: ‘GARDEN LANE’

The lane itself makes a challenging location to design for as there is already existing growth from trees and shrubs which had been mature specimens until they were cut back or copiced last year (2015). In one way the cutting back of these plants meant a loss in habitat for wildlife of the area and, in another it resulted in a tidier alleyway.

Given that there is growth to work with, how can this design harness the potential of those plants, restablish a wild and native habitat, but also keep the lane tamed and tidy for people to enjoy?

GARDEN LANE :

DRAWINGS NOT TO SCALE: zone dimensions provided

1.

27m

2.

27m

23m

3.

23m

27m

Taming the Lane

4.

27m

23m

23m

Within each design existing growth within the lane is removed where necessary, in particular Cotoniasta, Buddlia and Snowberry leaving only native edible shrubs.

Various methods of creating a pathway are proposed to help keep down some of the growth and create a new interesting route along the lane for people to experience.

More wildflower seeds could be sown. A hedgerow mix could be particularly appropriate given the partial shade of this location.

Trellis structures may reference geometric shapes that have re-occurred throughout the project.

Concrete / Hempcrete inserts.

Dunbar Red sandstone Stone / Mosaic shapes embeedded into Earth as pathway.

Green roofed bin shelter.

Fruit Trees.

Fruit bushes.

3.2m

A selection of hexagonal concrete inserts interspursed throughout keeping some wild growth down, making area partly accessible.

Space created for fruit bushes and trees. Apples trees planted across. A raspberry and logan berry hedge is trained across the wall.

3.2m

Hexagonal inserts are made from arrangements of stones inlayed into concrete / hempcrete. Materials, patterns and combinations are tested in advance.

3.2m A soft curved path is created throughout the wildnerness, paving is made from varrieties of stone.

Patterns and combinations are tested in advance.

3.2m Stone inserts act as a boundary around some of the native species. Trellis structures are used to train the wild bramble growith at a low height. A green roofed shelter is buil for the bins in the lane.

Trellis to train Brambles onto.

Geometric trellis. Made from: Coppice? Bamboo?

Reclaimed pallet wood?

Cornflowers and Poppy’s planted to reference Trinitarian colours.

Hedgerow mix sown between stonework.

Reclaimed stone surrounding planting.

Underplanted with shade tolerant plants.