Gardens of the Year – a tropical haven
Hidden away on a residential street in South London, Mohammed Badat’s tropical fantasy earned him a coveted finalist place in our 2020 Gardens of the Year competition
When Mohammed set out to transform his uninspiring back garden in South London, he had an ambitious dream and a long list of requirements. He wanted to create a luxury hotel-style escape straight out of the tropics, but one his whole family could enjoy. It would need a multi-use garden office, plenty of water features and lots of space to relax in. And all of this on a shoestring budget!
Despite a relative lack of experience, Mo rolled up his sleeves and got stuck in, learning how to use design software and how to create levels in his plot. He also spent lots of time working out the specific needs of the sensitive tropical plants he wanted to grow. The result is a fantastically colourful escape that gets the whole family outdoors. Last year, Mo entered his creation in our Gardens of the Year competition and was chosen as a Finalist by our expert judging panel.
What inspired this tropicallooking plot?
When we came here the garden was just flat land where rain collected. It needed a big plan and a big vision. I was always very attracted to the swish, elegant gardens appearing in magazines, in places like Los Angeles or Dubai.
Or the grounds of five-star hotels in Bali or Mauritius – that really tropical look with lovely lighting. I’ll also never forget the first time I walked into the biosphere at the Eden Project, you’re hit by that wave of humidity. I thought if I could create something a little like that here it would be amazing.
How did you get started?
My father-in-law always knew I had my heart set on turning this garden into something special. In 2014, while we were away on holiday, he got a spade and dug half a ton of soil out of the front part of the garden. I didn’t ask him to do any of this and when we got back from the trip we looked at it and thought, ‘Oh no! Now what are we going to do?’. But it was just what we needed to push us to get started. So we kept going, clearing out the soil, I found some local guys to help with that and started on a design for it. I taught myself how to use SketchUp [3D design software] and came up with a plan and we started to put some of the bigger plants in.
How does the dream of a luxury hotel work with a young family?
I always say where there’s a will there’s a way! I’m trying to create the feeling of stepping outside and straight into holiday mode, I just want it to be a place that lifts the spirits for all the family – especially with all the craziness out there. It’s been difficult to achieve, but when you’re sitting here with a cup of coffee it’s just incredible. And I like bringing my family on the journey – my son has been helping me create the pond and has been learning the Latin plant names. Most importantly, my children are getting to appreciate nature at an early age.
How do you and the family enjoy the garden?
I think we enjoy it as a group more in the daytime, while night-time is probably more for myself. On a hot day we’ll put out an inflatable pool, with a canopy over it, and the children will have a splash about. Sometimes I’ll find our daughter wrapped in a towel and having a sleep by the pond, or my wife relaxing on the patio here – everyone seems to find their own favourite spot. However, for me,
“There’s a lot here that will hold interest through winter. And those two water features are a feat of engineering!” Kate Gould, competition judge
it’s at night when I really relax, I sit and enjoy the lights with a hot drink for half an hour at the end of the day. I also always wanted an office in the garden . I designed it myself and sourced all the materials and then hired a local carpenter to help me build it.
Can you tell us more about the colourful planting?
I’m originally from the north of England and it’s been great to see how tropical you can make a garden feel here in London. On a trip to visit my wife’s family in Mauritius I fell in love with the Cordyline fruticosa you see there – it’s pink and purple and incredibly vibrant. Most of the big plants have been sourced locally through classified ads, or online marketplaces where you can get great bargains. I felt it was really important to have a canopy feel around the seating area by the back door. So, some of the first plants were the Fatsia japonica, which grow tall and surround the area. Then a few tree ferns, golden bamboo and of course the palms. Then I planted cannas in the lower storey. I always have to bear in mind that leaving something out can be just as important as adding more – things can get too busy looking. I’m not much of an expert at all but I feel that if it looks good and it pleases me then just go for it.
What would you say to someone thinking of entering this year?
It was very exciting to get that call saying you have been selected as a finalist, it was an immensely proud moment. Don’t be dissuaded that your small or low budget garden won’t the cut the mustard, just be proud of your vision and your journey and focus on what makes you happy every time you look at it.
■ NEXT MONTH Get inspiration for your front garden from a plot shared by neighbours
Want to see your garden in our magazine? Our Gardens of the Year 2021 competition is now open for entries! Could you be this year’s winner? Turn to p80 for more details and enter your garden at gardenersworld.com/garden-competition