Visitors to Robert Stacewicz’s small urban garden marvel at the speed and extent of its transformation. He took possession of a fairly featureless rectangular patch of lawn in autumn 2019, started work on it the following spring, and by summer 2022 the garden was ready for the Gardeners’ World cameras. The space now works on multiple levels: as a haven for biodiversity, as a place of huge interest for plant-lovers, and as an atmospheric retreat from the real world of traffic and suburbia outside. But in a way, this act of creation has not been sudden at all, for it is the product of half a lifetime spent dreaming of and collecting interesting plants.
Robert has travelled widely, to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and several countries in southeast Asia, including Singapore and Indonesia. The flora of each country he visits has been a source of endless fascination to him and ultimately of inspiration for his garden design practice as well as the creation of his own garden. And he has collected plants from a network of nurserymen and friends over more than a decade, hauling them around in pots or sometimes asking other enthusiasts look after them for a while.
4 KEY PLANTS
1 Agave ovatifolia Hardy in mild areas with protection from winter wet. Height and spread: 1.5m x 1.5m. RHS H3, USDA 7a-11t.
2 Cordyline australis 'Karo Kiri' Its shortened leaves are borne over a greater length of trunk than other cabbage trees, not in a tufty rosette at the top. 2m x 50cm. USDA 9a-11.
3 Brahea edulis Has luxuriantly proportioned leaves that bring glamour to exotic plantings. Surprisingly hardy with good drainage. 9m x 4m. USDA 9a-11.
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Gardens Illustrated.
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Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Gardens Illustrated.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?
Giving your free time to volunteer in the community or as a mentor can have a big impact, and also benefit you in ways you can't imagine, says John Wyer
EARTHLY CONCERN
Weeds, slugs, birds and mice - all are welcome on Birch Farm in Devon, where Joshua Sparkes seeks to respect the local ecosystem and mimic nature in his innovative approach to growing
Gardening is good for you
In the first of his new factual column on the benefits of gardening, Dr Richard Claxton uncovers all the evidence-based ways it can help your physical health.
TANGERINE DREAM
On the edge of one of London's busiest roundabouts, Nigel Dunnett has created exciting combinations of drought-tolerant plants for a roof garden that is as unexpected as it is joyful
GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT
Growing your own edible plants is a great way to boost your gut microbiome. Discover expert picks of edimentals that are both beautiful and beneficial
Waste not, nice plot
Designer Miria Harris gave herself the challenge of a no-skip, zero-waste project, giving away, recycling or reusing everything in this back garden before transforming it into a space her client could love
One for all
A new community garden designed by Sarah Price around an old library turned arts centre in southeast London is a treasured space for local residents and garden lovers alike
Meet our horticultural HEROES
Discover the stories of the extraordinary garden champions who are making a difference to places, people, plants and the planet
SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE
In the culinary world, chefs and food writers sometimes closely guard their recipes, says Nigel Slater. Among gardeners, however, there is a refreshing spirit of generosity
Autumn at Sissinghurst
As the garden slips into a new season, head gardener Troy Scott Smith and his team are busy with tasks from hedge cutting and lawn work to bulb planting and sowing seeds.
