The Fallen

By Widget Finn

More than one in five native wildflower species in the British Isles is considered nationally threatened, with every county losing on average one species each year. Facts like these come as no surprise to members of the NCCPG, but the general public are generally unaware of the threats to our national plant heritage. So it was heartening to see that one of the entrants in the Conceptual Garden section at RHS Hampton Court aimed to publicise the fact that many of our wildflower species have become extinct, and others are likely to be lost to future generations.

The Fallen represents a cemetery for plants that are now extinct within the British Isles, and each headstone bears the name of a lost species. The symmetrical layout, created with Portland headstones, is punctuated by streams of wild meadow planting and strips of lush green turf. Sim Flemons, who designed the garden with John Warland, says 'We wanted to create a tranquil and reflective atmosphere to encourage the viewer to contemplate the species lost so far and to ponder the fate of those that are on the brink.'

The Fallen deservedly won a gold medal, responding to the brief that 'the best garden design challenges perceptions and stimulates the imagination.' And, hopefully, conveys its message in a vivid and memorable way.