SILVER IN SHOW

The fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon has been described as tiered gardens displaying layered greenery, stone walls and dripping water. According to one legend, Nebuchadnezzar II built the Hanging Gardens for his wife, Queen Amytis, because she missed the green hills and valleys of her homeland. It is this wonder of the world that inspired the creation of Back to Babylon by PTA Landscapes, Eco Outdoor and Tract Landscape Architecture at this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

Increasingly urbanised environments require gardens to provide places of sanctuary, as contact with plants and a green outlook is important for our wellbeing. Gardens become more important as available space reduces.

In Back to Babylon, the small space aimed to integrate planting into vertical and horizontal planes, at various heights to achieve a cascading effect to maximise space. Layered planting blurs the boundaries and inhabits crevices from pergolas to wall niches.

Predominantly temperate plants were used in Back to Babylon, with an emphasis on foliage texture and a verdant palette. Water offered music, a mirror and a humidifier in the space, while stone provided solidity and a textural and chromatic contrast to the green foliage.

Sculpted by renowned Australian artist Bruce Armstrong, The Owl (2012) stood in an elevated corner of the gardens serving as custodian as he watched over the landscape.

The composition of this award winning show garden created a relaxing place to retreat in an urban centre. PTA Landscapes was very proud to be involved in the construction of Back to Babylon, and feel this award winning garden represents expressive elements that can be incorporated into any residential garden.

For more information on PTA Landscapes projects visit www.ptalandscapes.com.au