Show Gardens
Hampton Court - 2010 'The Combat Stress Therapeautic Garden'
Exhibitors: Fi Boyle Garden Design & Independent Gardening
Designer: Fi Boyle Garden Design
Constructor: Cirencester Civil Engineering
Project Management: Independent Gardening
The garden was designed specifically to be used by ex-Service personnel undergoing treatment for PTSD and other psychological wounds, at Combat Stress’s headquarters in Leatherhead.
It embraces the specific needs of its users: the benches are ‘safe’ with clear lines of sight and no space for hidden threats such as bombs. There is a large circular pond which forms a focal point and area of contemplation in the centre of the main lawn. The water is still and soothing as this helps to bring the sky into the garden and add depth. The planting is robust yet airy and soothing with a mix of evergreens and perennials for year-round interest. A major part of this project was raising the funds to make the build of this garden possible.
Fi with Chris Beardshaw who did the television coverage for the show on the garden.
Fi with Chris Beardshaw who did the television coverage for the show on the garden.
The Combat Stress Therapeutic Court Yard Garden, Leatherhead, Surrey
The garden was designed to transform a barren quadrangle into a place of sanctuary. It is used by ex-Service personnel undergoing treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other psychological wounds. The veterans take time to sit, reflect and unwind in the garden between treatment sessions. It is where they can meet with their families and friends. It is wonderful that the veterans will be involved with the upkeep of the garden, so making it part of their recovery, teaching them how therapeutic and healing something as simple as a garden can be.
The garden required specific design criteria because of the veterans needs; the planting is on the whole low, with structural plants giving shape and form whilst not obscuring sight lines. The variety and mix of plants have been chosen to be robust and long lasting, giving interest, texture and soft colour throughout the year as well as attracting wildlife and insects into the garden.
A dry stone wall and grasses spiral around an existing red wood, softening the space and providing a place to sit.
A combination of materials brings texture, colour and depth to the garden.
There are both open and intermit areas within the garden to cater for the varying needs of the veterans using the garden.
A dry stone wall and grasses spiral around an existing red wood, softening the space and providing a place to sit.
Hampton Court - 2008 'Convergence of the Elements' -
Silver Medal
Constructor: Down to Earth Partners
Concept Design: Matt Rideout
Planting: Fi Boyle Garden Design
A modern cityscape designed to represent the elements of earth, wind, fire and water. It brings a visual and sensory relief to those that use it as well as those who look out onto it.
The hot coloured perennials and foliage bring seasonal and textural change as well as movement into what would otherwise be a static concrete space.
Designed as cityscape light, reflection & contrasting textures along with hot colours create a stimulating environment in which to be.
Grasses and tall perennials give height and bring movement to the space.