Earth Day 2021 - Church Commissioners for England
For Earth Day, We are featuring case studies from our partners which exemplifies how we are contributing to this year’s theme- Restore Our Earth.
In this case study by the Church Commissioners for England you can read about how they have created a reflection garden which not only provides a place for respite - but also a number of biodiversity and micro-climate benefits.
Church Commissioners for England
The Reflections Garden 2020 – Hyde Park Estate
The latest garden installation on the Hyde Park Estate has been created in an unused space 13.1m by 6.3m at 25 Porchester Place London W2 to provide a welcome area of green space for reflection and seclusion for residents of this 1960’s modernist tower block, particularly given the events we were all living through in 2020. This has been translated through a carefully selected planting palette of fragrant white flowers and aromatic foliage. Three mature Olive trees with beautiful, gnarled bark and silver sheen, positioned on York stone paving in bespoke planters provide a sense of instant maturity and are the main visual anchor points in the design. The focal point in the garden is a spherical black slate orb. This water feature whilst visually arresting also acts as an important cooling water source, which alongside the bird baths, provide important water sources for the local birds and wildlife. An insect hotel made from wood / canes and blocks is located at the reverse side of the troughs to provide a secluded refuge and bird boxes are to be installed in the olive trees and high up in the trellis work.
The brief was to ensure that the garden would be attractive to wildlife, particularly birds and bees and the individual species were all selected for their pollination qualities.
You can share any ideas you have for Wild West End, or photos of wildlife sightings and green features at: info@wildwestend.london
Partner:
Church Commissioners for England