GARDEN SANCTUARY – BRISTOL v2.qxp_Layout 2 23/03/2022 14:07 Page 1
GARDENS
Outdoor sanctuaries Have outside space; will be free. Extend beyond the four walls of your home by opening things up, living the natural life and building a recharging escape for yourself. Get your pulse running with a heavenly sanctuary garden soon to be launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and take advice on creating a sanctuary from local design and construction experts...
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anicured lawns, tidy flower beds, exotic blooms, fenced patios and hanging display baskets are absolutely not on the agenda for the new Sanctuary Garden by Hamptons, to be created for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show from 23–28 May. Hamptons is the principal sponsor of the show garden – a tranquil and sensory garden in which to relax and unwind – partnering with award-winning designer Tony Woods from Garden Club London and working in collaboration with Koto, an architectural and design studio. The concept draws on the rise in flexible working and working from home, which has brought an increased desire for space, especially outdoor and garden space. This garden sanctuary has been designed to reflect the desire to incorporate the garden as a living area, a place to step away from the home environment into the outdoors where you will be distracted by the sights, scent and sounds of nature, nurturing creativity, positivity and calm. Tony Woods from Garden Club London comments: “The garden will be a celebration of the small domestic green spaces which have taken on extra importance in the last few years. Designed with sustainability at its heart it’s a tranquil and sensory garden with a work/leisure space that creates separation from everyday life while increasing living space and adding extra value both in terms of lifestyle and property value. To complete the scene, Koto Design has created an iconic carbon neutral garden cabin nestling into the garden setting as a space to read, work or just sit and enjoy. The small, sculptural structure is designed to function as a place of seclusion and meditation, an immersive space to connect with the surrounding power of nature and plants. Zoe Little, co-founder of Koto Design, comments “Working collaboratively with Tony and his team we have sensitively paired the stunning garden with a considered space designed for multi-uses. A sanctuary that ultimately connects you nature while delivering a carbon neutral building.” Under the canopy of pine and birch trees the sound of water gently trickles through the garden. The charred timber exterior (shou-sugi-ban) draws from Japanese design influence and the ancient Japanese philosophy Wabi Sabi, focused on accepting the transient nature of life and the beauty in imperfection. The structure frames immersive views of the garden. Rounded glacial boulders and natural stepping stones contrast with the building and provide an intentional way to slow the journey to the cabin, through the planting and across the moving water. Boundaries of Fagus sylvatica (beech) hedging and charred larch panels provide a foil to show off the stunning bark of the Betula nigra (water birch) and Pinus sylvestris (Scot’s pine). The garden is rich in pollinating plants with water for wildlife and densely planted trees to encourage birds. Sweetly scented 68 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE
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favourites including phlox and Syringa (lilac) repeat through the planting to provide clouds of scent as the visitor meanders through.
Turning the vision into reality Sam Selby, Selby Landscapes; selbylandscapes.com “Our business has seen a dramatic increase in people wanting to use the garden as an extension of their home or as an alternative working space as more people appreciate the benefits of working from home. The last two years have opened people’s eyes, too, to what’s right in front of them. In this case it’s gardens: open space, fresh air and calm. “A garden workspace means that here are no noisy commutes, no polluted road rides, just a 30-second walk, coffee in hand, through plants and fresh air to a peaceful sanctuary where your productivity is likely to be way better than in a busy office. On your way you can
