Brickyard

Inspired by the traditional brick-walled backyards and industrial fabric of great northern cities, Brickyard envisages how these historic spaces can be adapted for modern life, and how nature can thrive in them.

The heritage of our urban architecture is reflected in the reclaimed red brick that has been hand selected by Reclaimed Brick Company at their Sheffield yard, and corten steel hand-crafted by artisans at Cheshire’s Steel and Scape. Contemporary seating, supplied by Ferrious of Altrincham, provides an environmentally friendly solution to the functionality of the space.

Granby Stone, a unique material developed by Granby Workshop, and constructed from the recycled waste brick from demolished Victorian terraced houses, is the core material used to create the statement water tank and suspended planters. Andrea Ku of B4Biodiversity demonstrates how the stone planters and garden grow-frames can promote wildlife, with companion planting, edible produce in boxes and special habitats for bumblebees. A fire pit provides the perfect place for gathering and cooking the homegrown produce.

Beneath the dappled light of the tree canopy, borders sway and shimmer with eye-catching perennials and grasses, highlighting just how much we can grow in these ‘awkward’ spaces. The scent of jasmine fills the air as you walk in under the shade of the fruiting fig tree. 

Brickyard will be permanently rehomed after the show in partnership with Feeding Liverpool.

Key plants: Hemerocallis (daylily), Jasminum (jasmine), Ficus carica (fig)