19. LE JARDIN SAUVAGE
This garden is a jungle, with abundant vegetation reminiscent of tropical luxuriance and the mystery that has often been expressed in Henri Rousseau's exotic portrayals of the equatorial jungle, between what was hidden and visible, inoffensive and dangerous, dark and colourful, real and imaginary.
Le Jardin sauvage is characterised by plant species that grow tall, so there is plenty of space on the ground for a sub-level of accompanying species and colours that like the shade. This dense mixture of luxuriant vegetation over several levels makes you think of a private oasis, where you can escape the sun's rays and let your mind wander through the jungle.
The garden has been designed to showcase diversity, and it's true that each of its nooks and crannies harbours something different: the shape and size of the leaves, trunk texture, associations of plants, reflections in the water and on the leaves, the colours and smells. Associated with bulging plant sculptures, winding streams, trellis cages and diverse species of rare plants, including a few carnivorous ones, this rich collection makes for a truly extravagant garden. Children will love to set off exploring within, watching the sunlight dance on the shiny leaves, listening to the wind rustling in the leaves and discovering the jungle for themselves.
DESIGNERS
The Jardin Sauvage design team are all final year degree students studying in the Department of Architecture and Landscape, in the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Humanities at the University of Greenwich in London.
Ewa Quiroga Carvajal is a student of Landscape Architecture at University of Greenwich in London. She was born in Poland and came to UK in 2006 and started her studies in 2012. She is very passionate about landscape, gardening and the ecology of urban spaces.
Ben Skelley is in his final year of his BA (hons) Garden Design degree at Greenwich University, London. He worked as a landscape gardener prior starting University working on the maintenance of historic garden sites such as Eltham Palace and Down House in Kent. This experience has led him to develop a keen interest in historic landscapes and gardens, and to explore.
Gwen Macheka was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. She completed her primary and secondary education in Zimbabwe before moving to Germany, where she learnt the language while working part-time. She is currently studying Landscape Architecture in her third year at Greenwich University. Her interests are exploring parks and gardens, travelling, cooking, baking, and photography.
Zoe-Marie Walker is in her final year of a degree in landscape architect at the University of Greenwich. She has a developed passion for painting and gardening, a strong interest in the design of community spaces and how these spaces can refocus the interaction of people with nature and improve biodiversity.
