Killik & Co Futureproof Garden

The Killik & Co Futureproof Garden is a modern family garden designed to withstand the unpredictable weather patterns of a changing climate. As temperatures rise, plants traditionally found in the South of France may thrive in southern English gardens. To adapt to these shifts, the garden showcases resilient ‘future trees’ like Zelkova serrata and Pinus mugo ‘Mughus’, which can endure drought, flooding, and rising temperatures.

Inspired by architectural rainscaping techniques, the garden incorporates features to manage flooding while also promoting water harvesting to ensure precious water reserves for dry periods. A steel water tank on the rear boundary wall collects rainwater runoff. The walls are made from 3D printed material, which produces less waste and CO2 and does not require foundations to be built. A pergola, constructed with cantilevered troughs suspended in a stone arch, captures rainwater and directs it to a water feature, which overflows during heavy rainfall. The permeable paths and paving are also strategically designed to channel water towards designated flooding areas.

The garden includes a family seating area for relaxation. The planting palette is peach, blue and rust and has a cottage garden style, but features plants more often associated with southern France and northern Spain such as Persicaria virginiana ‘Filiformis’, Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’ and Salvia sclarea.
 

At a glance

Who would use this garden?
A grown-up family (children are young to new adults).
Where is the garden set?
The garden is located in the south of the UK in a semi-rural setting.
Who or what is the design inspiration for the garden?
Future-proofing the home and garden, the warmer climate and more unpredictable weather patterns, drought and flood conditions are already being experienced across the UK. The garden aims to show what our UK garden could be in 25 years from now.
 

Garden legacy:

The garden is being relocated to a Centrepoint women’s shelter for 18-21 year olds, in Camden.