Chaumont Show Garden

This garden seeks to explore our fundamental relationship with the natural world. In this case, our connection with nature is highlighted by showcasing the reoccurring patterns at various scales that are found in our very own bodies and throughout nature. These patterns are often referred to as ‘fractals’. The basis of the garden design is a pattern found in the human body and then scaled up to various sizes to imitate naturally occurring fractals.

Based on naturally formed landscapes the garden takes some inspiration of traditional Japanese garden design elements, though the landscape themselves are inspired by Britsh woodlands. The gently sloping curved planted areas with statements of dark limestone boulders dotted within, gives a feeling of mountains and hill sides. These areas lead down to a stream that trickles slowly through the meandering contours, replicating glacial valleys formed millions of years ago. Various sizes of dark limestone aggregates, from the large boulders and small stones to fine gravels, throughout the entire garden, give a natural feeling to the space. Large stones are used as stepping stones to cross the stream in between the marginal planting.

Multi stem Betula pendula and Betula nigra tower over the garden creating shade for most of the space, except for at the rear of the garden where there is a small glade like opening with boulders arranged to create an informal seating area. The woodland theme planting consisting of mainly Northern European native ferns, carex pendula and Juncus inflexus, with waves of Digitalis purpurea soaring above. Moss inhabits everywhere it can and the surrounding hedge is purposefully unclipped to further soften and enhance the natural feel of the garden.

The aim of the garden is for the vistor to experience the genus loci and ultimately enhance their connection with the natural world.