The Hybrid Garden
A play and plantsman’s space?
Gardens are meant to be enjoyed, have something for everyone. Be it an area offering peaceful tranquillity, a haven of lots of plants that people can enjoy, water features to provide interest, or a space for excitement and play. However, what if you have rather limited space and/or on a limited budget, or have very little time to devote to projects? Can you have a small garden that suits everybody’s needs be achieved? How?
I have the advantage of being both somebody who for many years has worked with youth in play settings (I also teach, but it’s normally adults) and also somebody with an interest in plants and garden design. An interest that extends well back into my own youth. I also have my own children, so I have a certain appreciation for what works for young people as well as an understanding of plants, growing conditions, design, etc.
What I don’t have is a lot of space, at least by international standards, although quite large by modern UK standards. It’s an 8m x 33m (26 x 100 feet). There is also a rather limited budget for doing things.
However, that does mean what I have tried is likely to be within reach and possible by many others who don’t have access to loads of money to spend. I must admit it would be interesting to see how much if at I would change my approach to creating the hybrid garden. Possibly not much, just speed things up a bit or maybe add a specific water feature I’ve always fancied having..
Have, I been successful? You decide. I know it’s a place children love playing and often ask to return. It’s also a tranquil space I love looking at and being in. It is a work in progress as things change and develop, plants grow, multiply and also unfortunately die. But the process has been fun, challenging and I’ve learnt a lot, if nothing else about the garden and the different growing conditions around it. And one surprise is the self-seeded microclimate of ferns and other plants that now exists under the inground trampoline.
Would I be happy to design other gardens? I’m always up for the challenge.
Follow my progress and thoughts on my hybrid garden here:
