RHS Hampton Court Flower Show 2004
“Down the Bright Stream” designed by Sally Court
Down the Bright Stream is influenced by the work and ideas of the late James Rose, one of the leaders of the modern movement in American landscape architecture. He was concerned with the fusion between indoor and outdoor space and with the need for flexibility in modern landscape design to allow for changes in the environment, as well as in the lives of its users.
Sally Court's show garden provides an area for children to play and observe wildlife, while adults can relax and enjoy the garden from a sheltered terrace, paved with natural stone. There are timber walkways throughout and a large lawn leading to the stream's edge. River birches, as well as dogwoods and willow, create harmony while natural rhythm is achieved by repetition in their planting. Planting also includes pines, ferns and day lilies. The garden features a copper fountain in the shape of an asplenium fern, created by Humphrey Bowden.