Planting Design

The planting philosophy for this garden takes its inspiration from the alchemy theme. It includes plants that were used in plant alchemy which is known as ‘The Lesser Circulation’ and also aims to demonstrate another kind of alchemy – that whereby horticulturists aim to create better cultivars – they are in a sense on a quest for their own Magnum opus (or Great Work) to make the best variety they can. This is done by plant breeding which also highlights another side of alchemy – the spiritual side –the alchemic marriage which is the merging of male and female – dark and light - to create enlightenment and the perfect whole.

Old roses including native roses have been included in the planting as a symbol of the alchemic marriage – these roses are known to be the parents of many modern varieties as well as being associated and used in alchemy in their own right – the white rose known to symbolise the feminine side and the red rose to symbolise the masculine side.

The native plants form the base of the theme of this garden and have been included for their associations to the Fens and known medicinal and edible plants that a Fen Tiger would have found useful. On a simpler level the planting aims to promote the use of natives in domestic gardens and questions the ongoing desire to create better cultivars.

GOLD MEDAL & BEST COURTYARD GARDEN