Trees are a vital element of urban greening. They provide natural climate control, support our connection with the natural world through sensory experience, and stitch together the canopy corridor along which wildlife can move safely and freely. London provides so many opportunities to create three-dimensional designs for compact spaces, and I love the way a tree defines three-dimensional space.
I believe we must plant trees in any and every space we can. Why?
Nature often provides perfect solutions to the problems we face, and planting trees is now more important than ever, as we suffer the effects of air pollution and the extreme weather effects caused by climate change. Trees provide natural air purification and natural climate control in the form of shelter and shade. In architecture, we call this 'passive climate control' because it adapts to changing conditions without our intervention. Plant a deciduous tree on the sunny side of a building, and you'll have shade in summer, and sun in winter when the tree sheds its leaves. Perfect. On the shaded side of a house, plant a dense evergreen tree. The tree will act as insulation all year round, and a sheltered space for planting. This side of the house is already in shade, and most shade-loving plants are less hardy.
Why do we feel more connected with nature in the presence of trees? Trees support our connection with nature through sensory experience. Beneath a tree, we breathe fresh air, feel cool shade... and who can resist reaching out to touch the bark? From my own childhood, I remember the smell of pine needles and eucalyptus. We hear the sound of the wind in the leaves, and we see... fractals. Trees are the archetype of fractal geometry found in nature. I believe that the fractal repetition of natural elements is soothing and beautiful, like visual music. Each green canopy of leaves creates a unique quality of dappled light, and frames space.
This is why there's no need to be afraid that a tree will completely fill a small space. A carefully chosen tree in a good design doesn't fill a space, it frames it. Framed spaces and views feel more special and memorable. That's what gives 'tree space' its magical quality. The tree is a magician, seamlessly hiding us from the outside world, whilst framing beautiful views and patches of sky to create the illusion of seclusion so often needed in a garden designed for a small space.
I believe that any space can be a garden, and that all gardens should be a habitat for biodiversity. Sharing our spaces with other forms of life requires more than just the provision of food plants; habitats are physical structures. Trees add one of the most important dimensions to your wildlife garden. My dream is that enough trees will be planted to create a canopy corridor along which wildlife can move safely and freely throughout all of London, and in every city.
If I've convinced you to plant a tree, and I hope that I have, then I recommend Prunus spinosa, the Blackthorn. This is my favourite tree for small spaces. It's native to the UK, pollinator friendly, deciduous and has spectacular flowers in Spring.
This alternative garden design concept is inspired by the song Higher Ground from the album On The Wire by tenek. You can listen to / download the album from www.tenek.co.uk
The song, Higher Ground, becomes more uplifting as it progresses, while retaining the contrast between verse and chorus.
As you ascend through the garden, the spaces become progressively lighter and more open, while still alternating between the contrasts of open 'double-volume' and enclosed 'overlapping' walkways.
The ground level of the garden is enclosed and shaded. It is inspired by the rich verses of the song. This level contrasts with the highest level of the walkway, which rises above the canopy. This highest level is inspired by the uplifting chorus of the song.
'You can't hide forever / This is now or never' – tenek
The garden allows you to ascend from the enclosed, pleasantly shaded and secure ground level, to a walkway above the canopy. This is a garden for those brave enough to take on new experiences.