Ideas for New "Room" #1

It could be done, but sourcing the various species to spread the blooming period will take some effort. I think that it was Chilterns who have a large range of Peony seed, but don't quote me on that.

They're another one, the name of which escapes me. Begins with a P or an R I think.

Asteraceae is huge! Lends itself well to mass planting though, so more of a border patch IMO.
Fabaceae is another vast family that ranges from the common Vetches, through Lupins to something that I lust after (but will never grow) Strongylodon macrobotrys. Wide range of plant types too - ground cover (Lotus berthelotii), small shrubs (Dorycnium hirsutum, Cytisus), climbers (Sweet Pea, Kennedia) up to full blown trees.
The Iris family could be good (it is the most spectacular genus bed at OBG). Dry growing through to wet loving means that a small pond could be included - the displaced soil could be moved and contoured to provide a drier area for Australian and South African members (and shape). Includes Crocus, Gladioli, Sisyrinchium and many other common garden plants.
Or the Lily family?

Oooh - you joyless beggar!!!!
Seriously though, if I had your plot it would be done by now and full of the plants I love. Problem is there would be no plan - blues next to yellows, most of it paved or concreted etc. In short, a right mess! So each to their own. After all, it is your garden! Won't stop muppets like me trying to lead you astray though................

 

while I was in Dunedin , i was visiting the chinese garden , a really small pearl in the middle of the city .



If I had your space i would have try to create something similar but with the twist
of a Cambride style garden ......or what so ever original .

 

That wasn't there when I was there Sal! That said, I arrived in Dunedin when "freshers week" started, so I partied for a lot of my ten days there

 

Kristen what a fantastic project. Would a grass room be an option? Billowing grasses en masse?

 

Something else that they did rather well in Japan but which I think could be replicated here

I'll give some thought to "constructing" something ... Greek Pillars or Oriental Bridge / Pagoda / Pavilion ... definitely lower maintenance than plants!

 

Interesting thought. You got an example of one that you can think of? So I could Google for some pictures.

 

A pot room perhaps?
France 2009

 

Do a 'Jap' garden, you know you want to I don't think that there's any other style that has that feeling of tranquility and peace. Of course, it's just my opinion....

 

I agree with you wholeheartedly. When I arrived in Japan, aged 19, some people where I was working kindly took me down to Kyoto and we visited numerous gardens over the weekend. I was a keen gardener, but I thought "very nice ...". Shortly before I left Japan, having been immersed in their culture for a couple of years, I went back to Kyoto and just sat in the gardens for hours enjoying the tranquillity Turns out it was an acquired taste for a youngster!

I see those and wonder how much work it is to keep them trimmed, and the grass (on top of the mound) not drying out? But Wooden or Metal furniture at the end of the garden is either hard-on-the-behind to sit on, or you have to lug cushions with you ...

I was thinking artificial lights and hydroponics until I scrolled down and saw the photo! Looks lovely, particularly the pergola springing out of the centre I think pots are a lot of work to water, but arranged like that it would be easy to set up a drip system There are loads and loads of pots in the gardens at East Ruston - I think they are mad as they all have to be watered ... looks nice though, and if you have other pots "around the back" you can ring the changes through the seasons ... I think I'm more inclined to do the "change pots to revitalise the display" near the house, only, though.

I like the circle, and the box circle around it. Do you have more photos of the surround, or is it a public garden that will be in Google perhaps?

Suggestions have been amazing, I hesitate to ask for ideas for Room #2 (I've got a different set of requirements for that one ... but not ready to start thinking about it as yet)

 

A 'Jap' room?

 

Kristen, I just love grasses and can only grow them individually..lack of space. "prairie" planting is something I would do if I had more space. Will follow this thread with great interest though