Award Winning Gardens

EXETER GARDEN SHOW/ Bronze medal

The design used has been especially created to be simple but effective. The simplicity of the garden will help in the relaxation of those who use it.

During the construction of the garden some small changes may be made as, when creating a spiritual garden of any type, the garden evolves and as a result some changes may be needed to maintain the balance of the energies.

The plants to the left of the path use both colour and the plant energies to aid in the balancing and cleansing of the chakras (these are energy points running up the body) as you approach the seating area. The lavender to the right of the path aids in the relaxation process.

The importance of the colour scheme is that as you walk the path the chakra are worked on in order, starting with the base and working right through to the crown all this is done to prepare you for the healing that is to take place whether it is from a healer, spirit or nature itself.

The water feature uses bamboos and grasses to supply a subtle background sound to aid in relaxation, healing and meditation.

The plants in the pots on the decking have been chosen for their aroma and the herbs are used for both scent and taste. The use of several types of building material gives a greater array of textures.

Within this garden we have stimulated all the senses, sight, sound, smell, taste and touch as a result we have also awakened the inner you.

The wild flower area has been incorporated to attract wild life butterflies bees etc.

The design was created with the show in mind and the choice of materials was affected by the fact that the garden had to be removed at the end of the show.

Most people today have a stressful existence and require a simple garden in which to relax and unwind.

I think we have achieved this in the garden we are presenting in the show.

The functions are based on either the plant energies or the colour of the plants and flowers.

The Acer (energies) realigns the meridians or charkas
The Elder (energies) Psychic protection allowing deeper meditation
The Pittospora (energies) helps to give clarity and understanding of the meditation
Willow (energies) Aids in spiritual cleansing. Cleansing is the removal of negative energies from the whole body both spiritual and physical.
Bamboo (sound) The silent rustle of the leaves helps to relax and focus the conscious mind, allowing better access to the sub conscious during meditation.
The water feature, (sound and energy) this will do the same work as the bamboo with regard to the sound. The flowing water will increase the energy of the whole garden.

The amethyst crystal (energies) helps to clear and still the mind.

As with all spiritual gardens the design on the drawing board will not always be exactly the same as the finished garden, this is because when building the garden you are creating an area that will evolve and as things evolve they change, some modifications may be made to the garden during construction as the balance of both the garden and the energies must be maintained.

AMATEUR GARDEN SHOW ( BATH AND WEST )

Silver Medal

This garden has been designed for meditation and relaxation. The plants chosen have a specific function.

The functions are based on either the plant energies or the colour of the plants and flowers.

• The Birch (energies) cultivates spiritual vision.
• The Acer (energies) realigns the meridians or chakras
• The Elder (energies) Psychic protection allowing deeper meditation
• The Pittospora (energies) helps to give clarity and understanding of the meditation
• Willow (energies) Aids in spiritual cleansing. Cleansing is the removal of negative energies from the whole body both spiritual and physical.
• Bamboo (sound) The silent rustle of the leaves helps to relax and focus the conscious mind, allowing better access to the sub conscious during meditation.
• The water feature, (sound and energy) this will do the same work as the bamboo with regard to the sound. The flowing water will increase the energy of the whole garden.
• The amethyst crystal (energies) helps to clear and still the mind during meditation.

The colours of the other plants have a part to play as well, the blues and purples are the colours of the third eye and crown chakras, and the energies and colours from these plants will balance this area of the body and mind. Both these areas are used during meditation.

The whites in the plants and the pebbles are there to enhance the spiritual energies, which are white or pure light.

The planting to the side of the path is based on the chakra colours starting with red and working up through the orange, yellow, green and on to the blues and violets. The plant energies will balance and cleanse the chakras as you walk down the path to the seating area.

The Moon Gate

The Moon gates were a predominant feature in the renowned gardens of Old China, where they were considered essential for spiritual well being and were culturally important, as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

The Moon gate played a very important part in the spiritual awareness, philosophy and culture of people living historically in Old China. It was the tradition and custom of the people to sit and meditate by night in the garden and to contemplate and feel the moon's presence in the circle. Hence the most appropriate name of Moon gate.