Bloom ‘07 : Haven
Sinéad Finn Landscapes was awarded a Silver Medal in the Small Garden Category at Bloom 2007.
The purpose of this show garden was to highlight the importance of small urban gardens as a habitat for a myriad of wildlife that can be attracted into them. As the countryside becomes increasingly encroached upon by human development, urban gardens are becoming an important source of biodiversity. A survey conducted as part of the Dublin City Biodiversity Plan recorded that 20% of land in the city area is dedicated to gardens. The value therefore, of the garden as a wildlife habitat is only increasing as time goes on. The design revolves around the concept that the garden is not only for human appreciation and leisure, but is a home for many creatures and we can only benefit from sharing this space with them.
All the plants used in the design are there to attract different types of birds and insects. It also includes several elements which will make the garden more attractive as a potential habitat, such as a pond, compost heap and nest boxes. A curved pathway, interspersed with planting works its’ way through the space, while a seating area allows visitors to stop, rest, observe the garden and the wildlife in it.
Below is a pictorial diary of how the garden came together, from the initial stages on site to the finished product. (click the images to be taken to the extended gallery)
Construction stages of 'Haven'. For the small garden category of Bloom, the designers had 10 days to build their show garden. The central curved pathway of Haven was the first element to be constructed.
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Planting of 'Haven' begins. As the pictures show, the arches were the first 'soft' elements to be placed. Next came the woven willow fencing and then planting started in earnest. As soon as the flowering plants were placed, the bees started visiting the garden.
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