It’s been proven that spending time in nature can have a profound impact on our social skills…
Welcome to the ‘Conversation in Bloom’ border, where connections blossom amidst nature.
Designed to be the ultimate talking point, the border invites visitors to take a seat either side and quite literally have conversations over it.
We know spending time in nature can have a profound impact on our social skills, allowing us to be more present, listen clearer and become more attuned to our emotions. Ultimately helping us to make more meaningful connections.
So this border aims to provide the perfect environment to cultivate connections, old and new. And you just might meet a butterfly, bee or ladybird too.
Sponsors
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Caradon Stone
Caradon Stone have kindly sponsored the granite for the stone benches & pond.
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Garden On A Roll
Garden On A Roll have kindly sponsored the planting for the border
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Menor
Menor Framing have kindly sponsored the wood for the benches as well as delivery of key elements of the border
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PlantGrow
PlantGrow are sponsoring the compost and growing materials for all plants I have grown myself, as well as the compost used in the build
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Dandy's
Dandy’s landscaping have sponsored the gravel which will be used in the border
The story behind the border
I wanted to create a garden where anyone can feel comfortable to open up and connect with others.
There are so many distractions in the world, when we’re out and about or in busy environments it can often be difficult to have more meaningful conversations. But nature has a more gentle way of keeping our focus, meaning we feel less overwhelmed. It can soften the noise both literally and metaphorically helping us to stop, slow down, think and listen clearer - ultimately helping us to make more meaningful connections.
I also wanted to explore how a garden can help anyone who struggles with face to face conversation, to still build connections. Whether they may be neurodivergent or suffer with conditions like social anxiety. The border can help take the pressure off but still give you an opportunity to connect. Using the planting almost like a veil between them.
Finally, I wanted to create a garden which gave you lots to talk about too, from different textures, colours, scents to the many pollinating visitors it attracts. Even the design of the bench and landscaping choices have been made to inspire conversation and capture the attention. To keep everyone in the moment.
Meet the Team
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Charlotte
@new.house.home
Designer -
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Jeannine
@bridportjardin
Planting team -
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Aoife
@aoifes_allotment_adventures
Planting team -
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Kim
@garden.with.kim
Planting team -
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Ben
Film_and_file
Bench designer & build team
Plant list
Plant list - Flowering Perrenials
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Verbena Bonariensis
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Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm'
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Salvia nemerosa 'Caradonna Pink'
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Verbena 'Lavender Spires'
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Erigeron
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Astrantia "Star Of Love"
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Gaura 'Gaudi Pink' & Gaura 'White Butterlfies'
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Argyranthemum 'jamaica primrose'
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Perovskia 'blue spire'
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Helenium 'Mardi Gras'
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English Lavender
Plant list - Grasses
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Miscanthus
Trees
The garden features 2 multi-stem Silver Birch trees.
design features
Granite benches
The garden features two hand-made statement granite & oak benches.
The benches are designed to be a talking point in themselves, with a sculptural look which feels at home amongst the planting.
The granite was sourced from Caradon Stone, in Cornwall. Where it was cut, then Ben built the benches using FSC oak.
Granite sink
The sink, also created from Caradon Stone granite was hand carved.
Press coverage
Get in touch
If you’re interested in hearing more about ‘Conversation in Bloom’ please get in touch below.