Laboratorio S. Rocco – Garden of Solitude

In more detail

• Irregular woolly cushions of Muehlenbeckia echo the free-form planting below
• A solid plain background shows off the delicate forms of meadow flowers in pretty silhouettes

About the garden

In a flower meadow, shaded by the leafy foliage of two trees, 18 pots in the shape of Ionic columns, each with differing heights, are arranged at irregular intervals around a circle 6 metres in diameter. Lush plants cascade from the pots.

Look closer and two planting schemes characterise this small garden: A wildflower meadow incorporates groups of shrubs, herbaceous and grassy plants and is sheltered by two trees, all planted in random fashion. Together they present a naturalistic setting. In marked contrast are the single-species potted plants that follow, at irregular intervals, the precise geometry of the circle.

Inside the circle is a chaise longue while in the background is a sky-blue wall. This intimate and protected inner circle represents solitude intended in a restful space – an ideal condition for the development of thought and imagination.