Ideas behind designs

How do we convey meaning in gardens? A good example from Plaz Metaxu is the New Paragraph sign at the head of a path where it turns sharply, clearly signifying a break or transition. Materials need to be robust and long-lasting. Alasdair Forbes’s use of cobbles to delineate marks on sloping turf has the added advantage of not interfering with mowing. Symbols made with cobbles are often difficult to decipher close up, but are legible when viewed from an opposite slope or lower level ground.

Plaz Metaxu makes great use of single standing stones and other such objects. These act as powerful focal points, as well as subliminally encouraging the onlooker to stop and reflect. They can be particularly effective seen through a gap in a hedge or similar narrow opening. Such negative spaces are an important tool in the kit of any gardenmaker wanting the onlooker to focus, be aware and observe.