The Laurent-Perrier Garden
designed by Luciano Giubbilei
With this garden, Luciano Giubbilei, a first time Chelsea designer, explored the relationship between architecture, art and nature.
The garden was dominated by classic lines of yew, box and hornbeam, together with blocks of formal hornbeam trees - their strong, simple shapes repeated rhythmically to create a sense of calm and composure. The hedges were rendered like an architectural feature, exemplifying the relationship between architecture and gardens.
Framed within these tiered hedges and trees, a monolithic stone wall formed of unfilled travertine displayed an ethereal work of art - the Corten steel sculpture Big Bite - by celebrated artist Nigel Hall, which explores the connection between geometry and landscape.
Perfectly proportioned water features punctuated the design: in addition to the reflecting pool beneath the sculpture, simple pools cut into the blocks of hornbeam led the eye out of the garden to emphasise the tranquillity of the setting.
The restrained planting enhanced the seductive atmosphere, from the formal clipped hedges and trees, to the elegant blocks of tall swaying grasses alongside a contrasting palette of claret and deep purple flowers, which included groups of irises and peonies.
