Bloom 2010
The theme for the Bloom 2010 Small Garden Category was an urban front garden.
Front gardens can sometimes be overlooked as recreational spaces, rather having either a purely aesthetic or utilitarian use. The design tries to break with this paradigm. The show garden includes a water feature, a defined space for relaxing, a variety of plant textures and a light fencing solution. This design encourages not only usage of the space, but also allows for interaction with neighbours, increased value to the property and aims to enhance the streetscape as a whole.
The emphasis of the planting in this garden is on the varying foliage forms, textures and colours. Several varieties of fern and hosta are being used as their leaves provide such a range of hues and textures. The trees chosen in the design are feathered Betula pendula, which have a delicate branch pattern. These are key to providing multiple functions within the garden, such as screening, shading and vertical interest. Another specimen plant included in the garden is Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Princess’. The burgundy foliage acted as a visual highlight while the foliage is quite delicate and complements the other planting within the space.
