By garden designer Marcus Barnett. The Times Eureka Garden, in association with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, aims to showcase the significance of plants to science and society.
The species chosen demonstrate both beauty and utility and many have medicinal, commercial, and industrial uses, emphasising the invaluable role plants play in our everyday lives.
Planting is divided into three main types. First, there is a light-filtering canopy of Pinus sylvestris and Betula doorenbos. These trees also provide scale and a counterpoint to the central timber structure. Secondly, the loosely clipped Taxus boundary hedge introduces form and height. Lastly, texture and colour are provided by small shrubs and perennial planting which is informal in style to create movement and light and shadow. Many of the plants used will have benefits and uses to society, some of which are described below.
The plants that feature in the garden have been chosen according to both their aesthetic nature and their contribution to society. These include Foxgloves (DIGITALIS x mertonensis), which can be used in the treatment for cardiac disease, and Geraniums (GERANIUM sanguineum), often used as a diuretic and to treat kidney complaints. Other plants that will be used are Salvias (SALVIA blancoana), which is used as a treatment for diseases of the Central Nervous System, and Roses (ROSA webbiana), commonly used by the cosmetics industry and by drinks manufacturers.
Colours range from greens to soft pinks and purples with subtle reds and pale whites, punctuated by crisp blues and yellows.
Shrubs
Trees