Anita HERCZEGNÉ SZÉKELY
A three-terraced garden with mature planting and moving water
Garden of the Year 2008 – Award of Special Merit

(Summary)

The most characteristic and important element of this garden is the moving water; in the form of a steep, waterfall-like stream, dry river, river channel and a pond. There was water originally on site but running parallel with the street front. Presently the water originates from a “buffer reservoir” situated on the highest spot of the garden and runs into two directions. The dry river also acts as a buffer collecting the access water running parallel with the fence and diverting it into a little pond by the house entrance. This pond is the final destination of water from both directions where from the access water is diverted onto the neighbouring site in a controlled manner.

The garden itself occupies three levels: the highest terrace accommodates the water source and the pavilion, the second level is the level of the house with the front garden, pond and back garden, and the third, lowest terrace is level with the garage and cellar. Between the different levels we find cleverly designed banks covered with groundcover plant (under native hazelnut bushes, above drive way), dry stone retaining walls (by pond and in side gardens) and wooden retaining walls (in front of conservatory, in the back garden). There is an astonishing balance between newly planted and retained vegetation. The garden was design by the principles of feng shui as the owners wanted a relaxing, calm garden for recreation and quiet contemplation. In the middle of the garden we find the pond and the large lawn area which become a sun trap bursting with and radiating energy after some careful tree falling. At the meeting point of the middle level and the garden we come upon a statue of the sitting Buddha creating a relaxed atmosphere, greeting the passerby and recalling journeys, friends and joyful times.