The Savills Garden

By Philip Nixon. Inspired by the Tate Modern, and the experience of the journey through its varied spaces, The Savills Garden examines the relationship between art and gardening.

While preparing his design, Philip Nixon used the rhythm and geometry of pictures hanging on walls and sculpture on display in galleries to influence his thought processes.

The garden itself is structured, geometric and randomly rectilinear. Both hard and soft materials define the geometry.

The planting is predominately perennial with added accents of textural shrubs, including 'frames' of Buxus, and sculptural trees. The planting palette is varied to allow for contrast in colour and form.

Key features in the garden include frames of reflective water, echoing paintings on walls. They are still pools where colour and textures are created through reflection.