The Brief:

The existing space was planted with many plants that were ill suited to the size and scale of the 900sqm quadrangle. Most of the plants were overgrown with many growing over the windows of the offices, classrooms and study areas surrounding the quad.

The challenge was to create an inviting space for students to use both at break and study times as well as giving the area interest throughout the year.

The Garden:

The existing garden was originally designed to have a central area to be used for seating or events which was connected to various corridors and buildings via granite paved paths.

The curved paths are now flanked with beds of planting which mirror the curved layout of the hard landscaping. (These now contain colour themed shards of perennial planting which come and go throughout the seasons. The quad is well used from spring through to late September. Shaded parts of the quad are planted with early spring flowering perennials and low growing evergreens to extend the season without resorting to tall evergreen shrubs. Throughout summer and into early autumn, a colourful perennial planting scheme with a light, grassy prairie style encircles most of the inner planting area.