Strive and Thrive

The garden imagines the aftermath of a catastrophic meteor strike. Amid the disruption and debris, new life emerges and in areas positively flourishes. A vibrant array of colourful plants are bringing back the pollinators, birds and wildlife to heal the land.

The meteor creates a focal point, symbolic of a traumatic event and the destruction it can cause. It contrasts with a vibrant and colourful planting scheme that adapts well to poor soil, is tolerant of different moisture levels and is resilient to the new extremes of British weather conditions arising from climate change. Towering birds’ nests within the planting offer hope that life is returning to the land.

At a glance:

Who is this garden for?
A family garden.
Where is the garden set?  
An sunny urban garden in the UK
Who or what is the design inspiration?
The garden is inspired by the resilience of children who have been impacted by traumatic events.

Key sustainability points

• Almost all the hard landscaping materials are recycled, repurposed or foraged, reducing our carbon footprint.
• GGBS (Ground granulated blast furnace slag) is a waste product from the iron making industry that can be used as a lower carbon alternative to cement. It is used in the earth mould method we are trialling for the meteor.
• All of the plants are grown in peat free soil and have been sourced from UK nurseries.
• Selecting planting that will thrive in low fertility soil reduces carbon impact and increases plant diversity.
• The garden will be replanted in a girls residential care home in Ealing, West London.