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I
am a professional organic landscape designer and gardener. I
create artistic, natural settings based on local ecosystems,
using rock, native plants and complimentary horticultural stock
in sculpted terrain.
I
create gardens that are meaningful to those people that own or
use them by transforming existing landscapes into visionary,
artistic and spiritual sites.
Having
somewhere where you can read quietly, watch the sunset, count
your blessings, reflect on the day, pray or meditate may bring
many results. Most of us live fast paced lives, have high stress
levels and we sometimes forget just how to relax. Having a quiet
space, especially outdoors, gives us the opportunity we need to
unwind and learn how to get back in touch with ourselves,
emotionally, physically and spiritually. Our health is improved,
we can tackle problems more easily, and we learn how to manage
stress.
Sacred
spaces can be located anywhere, not only in gardens but in
virtually any surroundings from car parks to churchyards, in
factories or hospitals.
Origins
Many
of my basic design ideas come from the original sacred gardens
that go way back and across all cultures - from the sacred groves
of ancient civilisations, the medieval monastic gardens, Islamic
paradise gardens, Chinese Taoist gardens, Zen gardens and even
such modern delights as Derek Jarman’s garden at Dungeness.
I
subscribe to the concept that the earth is a living system and
all its processes and life forms make up a dynamic,
interconnected whole. So the rocks that shape our environments,
the soil that sustains us, the water that nourishes us, the
plants that feed and heal us and the diversity of life forms that
enrich us are all natures gifts. They are profoundly alive and
add immeasurable quality and deep meaning to our lives.
My
approach to working with and creating landscapes stems from an
appreciation of this natural world, its processes, subtleties and
interconnections.
Such
connections exist both at an outer ecosystem level where the
processes of nature work in dynamic harmony, as well as on an
inner personal level where what we experience, feel and create in
the outer landscape affects our sense of inner well being. I work
closely with my clients to foster and express this inner/outer
connection in their landscape, at the same time creating designs
that embody and reflect their personal philosophy and spirit.
I
provide outer environments for my clients that work with the
subtle energies of the earth and serve towards the healing of the
planet.
I
employ an intuitive and energetic approach to my work, listening
to the whispers of the land in order to create a poetic balance.
Environmental
Concerns
On
a practical level I am concerned with creating a landscape
environment that respects nature's processes through the use of
local, environmentally-friendly and recycled materials which
contribute to sustainable living. Recycling for creative design
purposes contributes to a healing of the earth that is necessary
for man to live in harmony with nature and to preserve his
existence.
The
siting of a spiritual area is important and whenever possible the
existing contours of the land are used so that a natural look is
retained. I also incorporate existing plants and trees as I find
that the effect of well established plants maintains a sense of
permanence.
I
use wildlife friendly organic techniques- so no chemical
fertilisers, fungicides, pesticides or weedkillers.
Plantings
Carefully
chosen plantings that harmonise with the surrounding dwellings,
environment and ecology are essential design elements. Gardens of
medicinal herbs for personal use are visually beautiful and can
be consumed for maintaining good health.
I
utilise my knowledge of natural health to great effect
particularly with the use of herbs, and to a lesser but still
important extent, the use of scent and sound. I like to use
health giving and aromatic herbs appropriate to my clients
wellbeing, as well as colour specific plants with energising,
healing and balancing properties.
Sound
The
Chinese art of Feng Shui says stagnant energy can be broken up
through the use of sound. I believe natural sounds are calming
and use them to good effect, both through the wind rustling
through the leaves and grasses and with chimes of bamboo or
metal.
Summary
My
purpose is to create beautiful gardens and landscapes that have
universal quality, but are individual artistic forms. Inspired by
the world's ancient civilisations, and their gardens, I offer my
clients an unparalleled background of knowledge and experience
from which to translate philosophical and spiritual concepts into
sacred gardens.
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