Living wall - Bod Pave

On the lower part of the curved wall I am hoping to create a living wall, reminiscent of moss covered tree roots. This green wall will use shallow rooting plants and grow below the 'tree trunk' hard landscaping. Chris suggests that I try a ground reinforcing product, such as Bod Pave. This works within my budget and I have it cut by a local aluminium factory into a jigsaw of different height pieces, with the same 300mm width to fit neatly under two Panache tiles of 150mm. The reverse side is scored to accommodate the curve (see below).

I have considerable trouble finding plugs of Soleirolla soleiolli, as it is not that popular amongst some gardeners due to it's spreading habit. However I think it is a charming plant and perfectly suited to my needs and eventually track down 9cm pots that I split and pot up into 1200 little planting pockets. Quite a task! My local garden centre, Toad Hall, are happy for me to use their large heated green house to grow on the living wall. I will need to have it delivered during the build, as it forms a structural part of the wall.

RHS seminar

Wild style planting at Chelsea Flower show 2011.

Designers and contractors who are showing gardens at any of this years RHS shows were invited to a seminar in London. Various speakers present the day and give information on topics ranging from construction, health and safety (which I am now very aware of having just read through and filled in all the Chelsea information!), tree protection, judging, press and pr and sponsorship. I found Sadie Stowell's talk about her show garden building experiences at Hampton Court fascinating - particularly how she involves her family in the whole preparation experience.

It was also very helpful to meet Alex Denman, RHS Chelsea Show Manager, to discuss my gardens location, build dates etc. I met several other 'Fresh Garden' designers exhibiting at Chelsea for the first time, all feeling a little nervous but excited!

Back home, the woods are starting to show signs of awakening from there long winter slumber. Fresh green shoots are appearing, bluebells leaves are swelling and the birds were tweeting en mass, possibly migrant flocks having a rest in the tree tops. Wood peckers are also very busy - occasionally I spot the little black and white bird and am amazed it can make so much noise!  This photo shows the native Lonicera twisting itself into a heart as it searches for a way to climb towards the light.

Ribbon Sculpture

Since my last post about the sculpture (where I described  ideas) its practical development has come on a long way.  I am now working with a local Cobalt Blacksmith on the metal construction. This process began by working out the diameter of the sculpture in relation to the height in order to work out the angle of curve upwards. The main steel structure is manufactured by a tube bending company using a bending machine that is normally used for making spiral staircases.







The tubular steels then arrives at the blacksmiths in 5 sections that he will weld together at the planned curve. We need the curve to reach 1.5m at 180 degrees so that it does not hit the curved wall as it ascends to 2m. It should reach 3m at 360 degrees and 4m at around the 360 + 120 degrees - to be precise! Saying all that it will probably sag slightly under its own weight once all the lengths and leaves are attached. I am expecting it to move a bit like a spring - although hopefully not too much!

I return to my plans for the garden to work out the size and spread possible for the 'foot' that will hold the ribbon sculpture in place, taking into account the wall and path footings and the tree root balls.

This sculpture is my representation of energy and vitality and is to be sited at the centre of the garden next to a tree stump. The idea is that a large tree has fallen and giving light and opportunity for saplings and other plants to spring to life.

The colours of the sculpture move from purple, through deep pinks and red to orange and yellow as it winds it's way around a young tree and upwards. These colours are joyful, life affirming and positive, reinforcing the energetic forms of the wall and path, and atmosphere I am hoping to create.





These sections are made out of perspex (from my templates) which has been donated by Perspex UK and cut by Zone Creations. I have chosen to use their frosted range as its opaque qualities will capture the light. When looking at their web sites I am amazed by the vast range of applications for Perspex.

Contractor

A number of factors have to be considered when choosing a contractor. The obvious one is cost, as working within my budget is vital, but equally important is to feel completely confident in there capabilities. Being able to develop a rapport, so that decisions can be discussed easily, is also vital.

I found myself in the fortunate position of having four different contractor firms wishing to quote for the work. In the end I choose to work with Mick Carter who is London based and has experience of working with previous Scholars. We have now met and discussed the build in detail and made decisions together.

I sent through alterations to the seat design as well as considering how to achieve the tapered width of the curved wall. Mick has checked through and added to the Health and Safety, Risk Assessment information and Method statements that I put together for the RHS. We are currently discussing the build timetable.

These recent photos show the stunning snowy wood land near my home. The range of  trunk colours are what I am hoping to replicate using the vertical hard landscaping product on the curved wall.  I wont be using snow through!