Old Basing Infant School, Basingstoke
Nature Garden
The Landscape Group was commissioned to prepare proposals for a small open
grassed area adjacent to the main entrance which the School felt was being
under utilised.
Having assessed the existing outdoor spaces, a scheme was developed to provide an extension to the educational environment which could be used for staff to teach, children to escape and explore, and a show piece garden at the front of the school. Maintenance was to be simple and the budget available was minimal, which further constrained the design.
The garden was developed using a strong geometric pattern of squares and rectangles to define more intimate spaces. Each space was connected by a gravelled path and contained by simple timber edging. Formal lawns were incorporated to provide space for teaching, one of which provided near a mature tree for shade, whilst other areas were sown with a variety of wildflower mixes to encourage teaching staff to engage children in nature study.
Other areas included different species of grasses and bulb planting; a small rockery and weathered timber log for exploration; and timber containers to be developed for butterflies.
Completed: May 2006
Value: £13000
