Inspiring the Idler

KLC News • 25 May, 2012

KLC Garden Design Diploma Graduate, Angela Newman, designed a garden for The Idler Academy in Westbourne Park. The garden has been transformed into an “Idler's Grove” as part of the Chelsea Fringe Festival and will permanently remain as a cafe garden and venue for talks and workshops.

The design is inspired by a medieval enclosed garden, often depicted in illuminated manuscripts. Key features are an enclosed garden for music and enjoyment, raised seats often in a u-shape called exedra, trellis with climbers or roses, vines, woven willow hurdles, herbs and medicinal/ornamental/symbolic plants.

Left: Angela's sketch of the garden. Right: Angela in the completed garden.

Below: close-up images of a basket and a raised bed.

“I have just included some of the elements to capture the idea of the medieval garden being a place for idleness and cultivated leisure, which is what the Idler Academy is all about“ said Angela.  The central feature is a u-shaped raised bed and bench at the far end, which emulates the exedra style seat – this can be used flexibly for cafe seating or for a class or talk.

For more information about the academy see http://idler.co.uk/academy/about-the-idler-academy/ and for the Chelsea Fringe Festival http://www.chelseafringe.com/