Future Nature

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Nigel and Adrian take us on a tour of Future Nature.

Design inspiration

"The Future Nature garden presents our vision of gardens, buildings and urban spaces, filled and covered with exuberant planting for the benefit of people, wildlife and the wider environment.

The ideas in this garden can be used anywhere and by anyone. Artistic use of found and re-used materials, a sense of thrift and restraint, conservation and the management of every drop of rainwater are key principles of the design. Exciting and dynamic planting are essential concepts that fit these challenging times of unpredictable climates and uncertain economics.

This is not a fanciful garden, it is real and achievable; the same principles can be applied to private gardens, community spaces, schools, factories, office developments and urban housing estates.

Future Nature is a new nature – beautiful and intimate, but also an essential part of how we could live in the future."

Dr Nigel Dunnett

Your comments

Comments

Lyn 2009-05-23

Until you read the title you wouldn't think "oh, an eco garden" It has strong lovely lines and a magic air to it . I would love to recreate this for schools.

Ann, Nacton 2009-05-22

Fantastic, and a great inspiration. Makes us think differently and take notice. It also looks great from an artistic point of view. Fits its space really well. You should have had gold. Well done.

caroline, bedfordshire 2009-05-21

I saw the garden yesterday and loved it. How beautiful and elegant and a breath of fresh air. A garden that provided a space to be enjoyed and nurtured as well as a home for all the lovely creatures we so need to protect and enjoy. Peaceful, thoughtful, respectful and full of fun. I want one please!

Ex-Chelsea Exhibitor, London 2009-05-20

The best garden in the show. I disagree with judges. It is refreshing to see something other than tired od minimalism, which was fun but not very green.

Anonymous 2009-05-20

This was a really interesting garden, and the leaflets handed out with it were really informative too - there were things that I am inspired to try for myself.

Benim, Bristol 2009-05-19

Nice work. Great slate path. Has a sketchbook collage feel. Silver well-deserved!!

Anonymous, N. Ireland 2009-05-19

Some excellent ideas.I Some excellent ideas. I will certainly use some of these in my new eco garden which is under construction. Congratulations and well done.

Philippa, Hemingstone, Ipswich 2009-05-19

I was enchanted when I glimpsed this garden on the BBC and went straight to the computer to find out more. The ideas are wonderful and very exciting. I would love to make a smaller style block for wildlife - fantastic, well done.
Philippa

Maggie, Norwich 2009-05-19

I love the idea of this garden. It shows that a "green" garden can be exciting, innovative and artistic and it's made me want to try something like this myself now. Truly inspirational. And Nigel Dunnett saying this could be done anywhere is a great suggestion. How wonderful it would be to see this sort of planting idea amid urban settings.