Sustainable resource management matters everywhere—from residential architecture to landscape design. When it comes to reimagining existing gardens, designers work with the same care and intention. The Davit Arican planning office faced this challenge: transform a 320 m² garden in Moers into a multifunctional family space while creating a thriving habitat for wildlife.

To make the small garden feel visually larger, landscape architect and diploma engineer in landscape planning Davit Arican designed it with flowing forms and integrated multiple seating areas. A curved pathway now leads to an expanded swimming pond, enhanced by a new wooden deck made from reclaimed aged oak planks. Bordered with perennials and ornamental grasses, the pond attracts numerous insects. Filtration occurs naturally through a regeneration zone—without chemical treatment—where iris, purple loosestrife, and marsh marigolds provide color accents alongside a moraine spring stone. "I was fortunate that many valuable trees were already on site," Davit Arican explains. "Some could be relocated, and in their new positions, they finally have the space to flourish. Combined with re- and upcycled materials, the garden feels as though it has always been this way." The tulip magnolia now thrives in its new sunny location, while the multi-stemmed serviceberry and purple-leaf plum reach their full potential as specimen plants. The terrace features a green roof, and its new flooring consists of refurbished hardwood panels that once served as protective boards for construction vehicles. From here, there's a splendid view across the verdant sanctuary toward another favorite spot—the fireplace area with its seating wall built from salvaged brick. In shadier corners, epimedium, Caucasus forget-me-not, and foamflower flourish.

Through intelligent use of sustainable materials, thoughtfully positioned throughout, and a mix of existing specimens thoughtfully rearranged with new plantings, this garden has expanded far beyond its modest footprint—earning a place in the "Garden Book of the Year 2024" as a vibrant family space that authentically reflects its owners' character while introducing fresh design ideas. The renowned garden expert—familiar to television audiences—emphasizes a crucial principle: "When you work with what you already have, you're not just making an environmentally sound choice. You'll save money and create genuine moments of delight."

www.davitarican.de

Photography:
Ferdinand Graf Luckner
www.graf-luckner.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 03|24)