Showcase 6
The aim to this design was to provide an area to soak in the atmosphere of the already well established garden. The design would require complimenting the traditional Blue Mountains garden, whilst adding a new flavour. A large conifer set the stage for the Proposed Dining Area as the clients wished for the drooping branches to seemingly embrace visitors.
The design features curved lines within the walls and paving, continuing the flow of movement within the informal style of the existing surrounding garden. The Dining Area took on an unusual shape, looking similar to a shark fin. The lines in the brick paving and the fading steps (steps running into the ground), seem to radiate out from the anchor to this garden, the large conifer. This in turn draws the eye to scan the many delights throughout the garden. A main focal piece to this view is the Weeping Cherry with its stunning white to pale pink flowers.
The design for the steps were constructed to fade off to ground level as they crossed the slope of the land. The dining area can be approached from many areas of the garden and no physical barrier stands in the way for the visitor to stroll out into the garden.
The walls were built with ironstone to retain unity throughout the garden. The unusual shapes in the stone create a sense of movement through the wall. One in particular seems to be almost descending the steps, and acts to link the dining area with the garden. The wall is built at a suitable sitting height for the visitor to casually perch away from the more formal setting of the dining table.
The plants selected for the design were to compliment the existing gardens woodland theme and also to add to the range of uncommon plant species. A range of woodland perennials included were; Hellebores, Epimediums, Trilliums and Polygonatums. Bright red and yellow flowers were requested by the client, therefore, the deciduous shrubs Hamamelis and Edgeworthia were included to brighten up the garden.
