Been admiring this garden house designed by Kochi Architect’s Studio in Tokyo, Japan. A simple two storey construction of two cube shapes joined together. The appeal of the design is the connection between the outdoor and indoor space by using glass walls.
By having two cubes shapes connected together at a corner, two triangular spaces are created that invite the garden into the structure, and further reinforces the feeling of the outdoors being part of the house.
The outside of the glass walls reflect the garden creating a camouflaged exterior to the building and softening its angular shape.
Natural materials are used in the garden designed Mitsuko Tokumitsu and the planting is a simple palette of greens, creating a serenity and calmness to the outdoor space- a welcome escape from the metropolitan fast paced lifestyle of nearby Tokyo city.
Image sources: Designboom & Kochi Architect’s Studio
Really enjoyed A Garden by Night at the Hampton Court Flower Show this year. An inspired idea to build a garden in a blacked out marquee to show how an outdoor space can be transformed with lighting.
The garden was sponsored and the lighting supplied by Cube Lighting. Designing a show garden at night must have been very challenging but the fantastic result achieved by Kari Beardsell at Blue Bridge Garden Design really highlights the potential of good outdoor lighting. A special mention should be made for Neil Wilkin’s glass sculptures dotted around the garden, glimmering in the lighting and adding a magical quality to the outdoor space.
Is this the famous Zen garden at the Temple of Ryoanji in Kyoto? Nope! It’s the famous Zen garden in Acton, West London.
The garden at The Three Wheels Buddhist Centre adheres to all the principles and symbolism of Zen in its construction. A wonderful opportunity to experience a moment of quiet reflection and mediation without the long journey to Japan.
As part of the NGS scheme the garden is open on the 18th an 19th June from 2- 5.30.
Images source: www.ngs.org.uk
The Birmingham Borders category at BBC Gardeners World Live gave the opportunity for new designers and horticulturalists to display their talent. A complete smorgasbord of different gardens including Tinned Veg, Periodic Table of Plants and an Apothecary’s Garden. But the one that got the most attention was Honey… I Shrunk the Shed designed by Simon Webster, aka @gardenhero (for those familiar with Twitter).
(
A real ‘marmite’ border design- some loved it, some not. The RHS judges appreciated the ingenuity of the design by awarding a Silver-Gilt medal. Apparently just one slip up in the planting cost Simon a gold, but to win any medal on your first attempt is a fantastic achievement.
Admittedly I had my doubts when @gardenhero started tweeting his plans for a border design with a large worm. I feared it would be a bit gimmicky. But he stuck to his idea and the final result is far better than I imagined. It does what a show garden needs to do- catch the passer by’s attention and get them to engage with your design. So some with a more traditional view did not like it but for me this does not matter. It’s about getting noticed and after seeing his design not many will forget the name Simon Webster. So hat’s off to him as it’s a fantastic first step on his show garden career. Just be warned Chelsea- @gardenhero is on his way.
My favourite plant of the moment is Eryngium x zabelii ‘Jos Ejking’ seen at the BBC Gardeners World Live Show, especially in combination with the white peony. The Eryngium’s sharp, structural form glowing an ethereal blue contrasting with the voluminous, soft white peony flower behind.
