2009 Spring Festival Designer Gardens
Below are gardens 1 to 7 of the 15 Designer Gardens that took part in this year's Spring Festival.

Visit Garden World now and view these magnificent gardens!

Also see the seven gardens submitted by children from selected schools.

To see a detailed view of each garden, please double click each image.
 

On this page, view Gardens 1 - 7

Focal points like the old rusted Dodge car, water features and "pots" were collected at scrap-yards. Everyday household containers, 2L cold drink bottles and used car tyres add to the focal points in the garden. The hardy, curly Agaves planted in rusted milk cans are part of the water-wise plants chosen in this design. Stepping stones made from glass beer bottles and tyres form the pathway which leads the eye to an old wooden door. Another novel feature is constructed out of metal plough discs.

Dappled shade is filtered through a mini forest of pretty Primulas creating a sense of relaxation and serenity. The essence of this modern garden is coolness and tranquillity, a place to cleanse the soul. There is something evocative in the stillness. This small garden has been designed using strong lines drawing the eye to the raised seated area. Plants have been chosen for their form and texture combined to create an elegant sculptural composition. The boundary wall with the abstract form and colour enhances the area and gives the garden depth.

The inspiration for this modern meditation garden was drawn from the elements of nature; earth, wind, water, fire, wood and rock. Each element is represented in the following ways:

The plants represent the life-giving force of the earth.
The sails represent the flow of wind or air, which whispers the secrets of the earth to us.
The calming flow of water stills the mind. Water is the flow, which connects all life.
The 'flames' represent the energy of fire. The warmth is the energy of the sun.
The sculpture symbolizes rock or earth.
The planting strengthens and enhances the design and the deck provides a place of relaxation.

The centre-piece of the garden is an interactive sundial, which uses a person's shadow to indicate the time of day. A curved seating area provides an excellent vantage point to relax and view both the water feature and the sundial areas. The raised patio area encompasses an outdoor kitchen area including a braai, which is an integral part of outdoor living for millions of people throughout the world. Alongside the patio is a custom-designed wooden bench. This offers the visitor a comfortable place to laze, relax and listen to the soothing sound of the adjacent water feature. The water feature consists of two ponds on different levels with streams of water resembling glass rods shooting out of the lower pond into the higher one.

During this world economic meltdown, we may have to reprioritize our goals and values. Because of this Mogale City team decided to present the garden of hope. Gardens are often the perfect place for contemplation and meditation and allow the individual the chance to reflect on life and seek spiritual fulfillment. This garden has a focal point in the centre which represents a flame or beacon of hope. Artwork located at various points in the garden represent people in various phases of life with unique challenges, the lines are all pointing towards the beacon of hope. Sub-tropical plants on one side merging into drier climate plants on the other side make use of the shaded and sunny areas of the garden. The use of interesting wall finishes complemented by an area of relaxation forms an integral part of the overall design.

The garden is designed and planted to be bold and crisp. It demonstrates the pleasing effect that can be achieved by the balanced interplay by a series of shapes, soil sculpting, circles, squares and triangles. It also expresses the need for small spaces to be visually stimulating with imaginative points of interest set out within the garden, to entertain or even retreat and spend some time relaxing. A colourful garden using materials in an original and creative way has achieved this visually dynamic space.

This high-tech, contemporary design is operational through touch screen remote control technology using a state-of-the-art water proof television. A seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor becomes a feature of modern family life. By using simplistic lines in the design a functional flow is created that connects the areas together. The energetic colours are striking, yet toned down by the use of soothing plant material. This design is dynamic and adaptable to any situation. It is a design which is inviting, and lends itself to comfort and relaxation.