A New Reflection Garden for the Hyde Park Estate
In July 2020, the Hyde Park Estate installed the Reflection Garden as a welcome area of green space for reflection and seclusion for the residents at 25 Porchester Place London W2. This latest garden has been created in an unused space 13.1m by 6.3m with the primary aim to promote social engagement and improved wellbeing.
The theme of the new garden is one of tranquility and reflection particularly given the events we are all living through in 2020. This has been translated through a carefully selected planting palette of perennial species, fragrant white flowers and aromatic foliage. The garden is equipped with carefully selected comfortable seating to provide a resting place for relaxation, contemplation and social engagement.
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. Through the canopy of these specimen olive trees white and cream highly scented climbing and rambling Rose ‘snowflake ‘and the incredibly floriferous, ‘rambling Rector’ have been hand tied in to the branches giving the courtyard garden a romantic timeless feel.
Beyond wellbeing and social engagement, promoting and enhancing biodiversity was integral to the installation’s brief. 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, alongside with the bird baths, provide important water sources for the local birds and wildlife.
Species were selected to ensure that the garden would be attractive to wildlife, particularly birds and bees and the particular species were all selected for their pollination qualities. Most of the plants, such as early flowering bittersweet, Daphne, Buddleia and thyme, were specifically selected in order to provide valuable nectar for bees throughout the year. An insect hotel made from wood / canes and blocks is to be 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.
Residents have begun to visit the garden and feedback reinforces the value of the garden’s addition to the residents for wellbeing and social engagement. Many residents have been taking photographs and asking about the planting and its value. The gardeners have been on hand to provide feedback and information to the interested parties, reinforcing the role of Wild West End to raise awareness and promote the benefits of green infrastructure.
Partners:
The Church Commissioners for England
Location:
25 Porchester Place London W2
Features:
Garden square (13.1m x 6.3m)
Three mature olive trees
Planter varieties
Water feature
Insect Hotel
Bird Box
Seating for residents
.