Lotus Landscape Design

The school wanted to create a space for the girls to socialise and to have an outdoor class. As much of the grounds are hard landscape we wanted an easy to maintain area with maximum benefits for wildlife. We worked with designer Sarah Jordan to expand on a creative idea. We met in 2022 and started to work on drawings.

The space was agreed on with the principal and board of the school and visuals were prepared. Everything used in the project was reclaimed and minimum material was brought in. We created a circular labyrinth from reclaimed cobble from Dublin city.  Everything was curved and circular. Trees and hedging were planted first to avail of bear root season.

We needed to work with existing soil and ground works included stripping sod and reshaping to create level areas. It worked out well for use as the contractors who build the tennis court beside left a lot of the soil on site so we were able to reshape. No visible invasive weeds were identified.

As sleepers were irregular we need to do a lot of carpentry and adjustment to get eh desired shape tot benches and heights. Also the cobble stone were challenging as they too were different sizes and we want to use the worn side for the curves.

Wild flower meadow was chosen to suit the area and local bee hives in the college really benefited. They were delighted with the end result and we were invited to the blessing of the garden!

All work was carried out in house by Lotus Landscape Design.

Judges’ Comments:

“Collaborative endeavour creating a low impact environmental and interactive design.”

“Great design and build to create this oasis of tranquillity. The intricate pattern of the labyrinth creates a centre piece and focal point for the alluring space.”