Avant-Gardens Festival 2007

Avant-gardens are the catwalk of garden design. They are on display from May to October at New Hopetoun Gardens. These six small gardens were chosen from a design competition, the winners had the opportunity to present their work and skills to a huge audience, to have their ideas presented as a complete garden space, to indulge their creative ideas and to be recognised as an avant-garden designer!

The design had to be their interpretation of the 2007 theme ‘Sanctuary’; to be avant-garde, moving design on and provoking reaction from other gardeners; to be sustainable for 6 months; include somewhere to sit; at least 25% of area must be planted. Otherwise anyone could enter and as you can see the winning designs are all very different and interesting!

‘Sanctuary – a garden for global warming’
Located in a built-up area attached to a new build home, the 30-something owners have a real interest in shrinking their carbon footfall whilst still able to enjoy this lovely outside room. Mel was inspired to design this garden by her concerns about climate change and the low profile that gardening suffers in discussions about reducing global warming.

Meleri McEwan
A 39 year old mother of two young kids with a background in retail buying and textile design. She says she is a novice gardener and this is her first formal design.

‘The Retreat’
Inspired by the four elements of fire, earth, air & water. It has been conceived as a private sanctuary exuding a calming, yet energised atmosphere to stimulate the senses and for recharging one’s batteries. The area can be used for contemplation or entertaining – a central firepit extends the season of use, but covered to provide space for a table or more access.

Marion Rodger
Another working mum With teenage children Marion is a qualified Horticulturist and is completing a formal course in garden design. She’s available to design!

‘Reflection’
A place to escape from all your troubles at the end of the day or at weekends.. The natural, organic materials from sustainable sources designed in gentle organic curves with the calm but lush planting all contribute to the sense of a safe sanctuary. This is a special place for reflection, and this title is echoed in the stainless steel planters and the simple water feature.

Sheena Seex
A lady of many skills, Sheena has changed career away from teaching to gardening! She has a passion for plants and is available to help others in their gardens!