Secured by Design

Did you know...

• Much of the hard landscaping has been constructed with sustainability in mind. The pergola roof is crafted from old scaffold poles, and the shed is constructed from wooden palettes. All of the wood used in the garden is recycled
• The garden has a number of cypress trees, which were originally imported from Italy. Based on advice from the Metropolitan Police Service, the trees are a good safety feature as thieves can't climb them or hide behind them
• The plants in the garden will eventually be donated to three very worthy community projects, one of which is Falconbrook Primary School in London, where over 55% of pupils receive free school meals
• The clean lines of the hard landscaping are softened by a calm, less formal planting scheme, which combines tall grasses with a riot of colourful pink and purple blooms. At the front of the space, Eupatorium maculatum, with its chocolate-coloured stems, works beautifully with the brown hues of Ageratina altissima

About the garden

This contemporary garden has been designed by Capel Manor design students to a brief set by the Metropolitan Police. The aim was to create an enjoyable, sustainable and safe garden with well-protected boundaries.

The space has a calming atmosphere with soft, relaxed planting including beautiful perennials and grasses, hard landscaping in cool grey tones and a reflection pool. Trees are columnar to stop intruders from climbing them or hiding behind them, and the bars of the pergola rotate, preventing climbing. The shed has a green roof, and green screens provide a sustainable secure boundary, as well as having air-cleansing properties to reduce pollution. Prickly plants and gravel close to the house act as a further deterrent.

The dawn till dusk low-voltage lights ensure visibility in the garden at night, and stone-effect solar lights provide additional lighting and sculptural interest. The garden makes use of recycled wood in the construction of many of the features, furniture and raised beds. The plants will be replanted in a community project in London after the show.

Thanks also to CED Stone.