The Size of Wales Garden

The Size of Wales Garden is inspired by the abundance and diversity of life that occurs in the tropical forests of the world, and the work that Size of Wales are doing to prevent the tragedy of its destruction.

At a glance:

Who is this garden for? 
A public garden designed to inspire and educate visitors.
Where is the garden set?  
North Wales.
Who or what is the design inspiration?
The diversity of flora in tropical forests.

 

313 plant species are used in the planting, reflecting the number of tree species that can occur in just one hectare of tropical forest. Slender spires of columnar trees soar skywards, and alpine miniatures mound among the rocks, sprinkled with yellow flowers – the colour of hope.

A couple of small roofs nestle at the top of gangly posts, calling to mind the precariousness of our current existence. A fungus fence gives a platform to the mostly hidden kingdom of fungi, so vital to the health of every forest in the world.

Key sustainability points

• Only local materials are used in the garden. Stone from Anglesey, larch & oak grown in Wales. Plants are almost entirely grown in the UK.
• The fungus fence and natural clay-rendered rear wall will be used only at the show. The entire structure will be 100% compostable once it is not needed, with the fungus actively breaking down the timber used.
• Roughly one third of the planting is alpine and drought-tolerant plants, situated in free-draining substrate and interspersed with gravel.

 

Relocation

The garden will live on and mature at Treborth Botanic Garden, North Wales. This will allow the public to access it any time, as well as being expertly maintained by the staff there.