The garden is a reflection on a riverbank that is drying out as a result of the climate change caused by humankind. The reddish banks of an artificial river appear, cracked to the extreme. Muddy fissures make up empty lunar landscapes. Very few species are strong enough to adapt and survive in these unstable conditions. Numerous plants disappear altogether and our world becomes increasingly monochrome. It seems almost impossible for vegetation to grow on this layer of dry clay. Among the riverside grasses, however, one obstinate plant resists: the burdock. Its flower covers a ball of spiny fruits, objects of surprising beauty if you take the trouble to observe them up close. The fruits roll across the arid ground, their spines latching onto whatever lies in their path. Few of us know that the surviving plant’s roots are also edible and that they possess medicinal properties.
Sculptures inspired by the shape of this heroic plant stand on either side of the river, which is crossed by wooden bridges leading to rest areas also inspired by the burdock. Long, delicate branches bend obediently to form a safe shelter where you can sit in the very heart of nature. If some plants can adapt to climate change, we must join them in learning how to meet the challenge and protect the living world.
DESIGNERS
Kairi MEOS, landscape architect, Svetlana LAVRENTYEVA, garden designer, and Hilla KARPPINEN, landscape designer
FINLAND
Kairi Meos
Born in Tartu, Estonia. Studied and graduated from the Estonian Agricultural University. Lived and worked in Finland for almost 25 years. After university, an internship at the Kotka’s Park Office, which until now developed into a longer period in Kotka in Finland. Established landscape architecture company Azalea Landscape Design in 2005. “My designing work vary from small intimate private yards to larger landscape design ensembles. I design also different public areas, like schoolyards, kindergarten outdoor areas, graveyards, urban spaces etc. My specialty is designing natural gardens with modern touch with ecological solutions and elements. I like to use art or artistic elements in the garden.”
International rewards: in 2019, golden medallist in the international Show Garden competition, Flower Jam in Moscow. In 2021 together with Svetlana Lavrentyeva and Heidi Hannus finalist at the Cote d’ Azure Garden Festival.
Svetlana Lavrentyeva
Born in Moscow, Russia. Studied and graduated from the Moscow Financial University, later having changed the specialization, completed a 2-year study at the Moscow Architectural University with a specialization Horticulture/Landscape Design in 2011. Started working in landscape design in 2010 in Russia. In 2015 moved to Finland, where started working as a garden designer in 2017. Founded own company – Laurel Landscaping in 2021. “My work interests are focused on planting design, the study of natural landscapes and plant communities, using of native plants in garden design.”
International rewards: in 2021 together with Kairi Meos and Heidi Hannus finalist at the Cote d’ Azure Garden Festival.
Hilla Karppinen
Born in Kempele, Finland. Studied and graduated from the Oulu University of Applied Sciences. Internships: maintenance work in municipality of Kempele, Lappset Group designing playgrounds and Leven’s Hall and Gardens in England. After the graduation, landscaping works for smaller companies for few years (Kontrasti Oy, Rainset Oy). Founded landscaping company Tyrni Desing Oy in 2016, which was sold forward in 2019. Head gardener at Municipality of Ii county and Landscape designer at municipality of Tuusula. Vrj Group foreman for private gardening projects from designing to building. Also studied climbing arborist and graduated in 2020.
