Nearly four decades ago, the designers at Wragge Gardens created a garden for this family on an adjacent plot. As they aged, both the original house and garden became impractical for their needs, so they built a new home on the smaller lot. Naturally, they wanted their new garden to be equally stunning. The owners envisioned a space that would serve as a sanctuary for birds, insects, and small mammals—one that would be easy to maintain through irrigation and an automated mower. They desired continuous blooms and visual interest across all seasons. They also wanted a water feature crafted from shell limestone and a pathway through the garden leading to their home. Accessible entry points presented a particular challenge. Since the house was constructed using timber frame methods, the garden designers employed tall façade drainage systems to create level access.

Creating spaces where residents truly want to spend time was paramount for the Wragge team. They strategically positioned sheltered seating areas throughout the garden—spaces where, as they put it, "abundant greenery nourishes both soul and eye." Hedges, shrubs, and tall ornamental grasses define these intimate zones, while thoughtfully placed trees screen the neighboring properties. The soil was enriched with regionally sourced compost and substrates to support robust growth. The design maximizes planting beds while minimizing hardscaping and lawn, resulting in a garden that feels verdant and generously planted. Shell limestone—used consistently for paving and stepping stones—creates visual cohesion, while a naturalistic spring stone with hand-carved basins provides drinking and bathing water for wildlife. Water management is entirely manual to conserve resources. Lighting is intentionally restrained: just a spring stone fixture and subtle bollard lights along the pathways, minimizing light pollution while preserving the garden's nocturnal character.

The garden's exuberant planting contrasts beautifully with the home's clean, geometric architecture. This deliberate tension brings out the distinct character of each—the lush, organic garden and the precise, linear building—creating a composition that feels both dynamic and inviting. A more restrained, minimalist approach would have sacrificed this vital dialogue between nature and structure.

www.wragge-gaerten.de

Photography:

Patrik Graf

www.patrikgraf.com

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 01|23)