Page 27 - Landscape-Issue160

FEATURE

We often take our
design cues from
nature; it is the seed
that germinates the
ideas making up
creative gardens.

The Living Contours display, which Leon Kluge describes as a contemporary African garden inspired by the need to seek refuge in natural spaces. The view from inside
the pod overlooks a wild wetland garden and floating walkway

Facts about the show conditions very difficult. Many tasks were during this time attracts 1.3 million
• Only ten days were allowed for the completed in the evenings. visitors, making it the biggest garden
construction of the garden. • Plants were sourced within China, and competition in Asia.
• The thousands of cut branches used all a special effort was made to find South
had the bark removed and were burned African species available on the Chinese Showcasing Africa
with a torch. market. Kluge says that wherever he exhibits, he
• The flower show takes place in Bijiashan • Other international gardens included naturally showcases African design which
Park in the heart of Shenzhen; it is one of designs from America, Singapore, New often uses natural materials in ‘new and
1000 parks in this futuristic city known Zealand and China. exciting ways, embracing organic lines and
for drones and technology. • This is the second time Kluge has emphasising contrasting textures’.
• Kluge and his team worked with Chinese competed at the Shenzhen flower show. He believes that international shows are
contractors who spoke very little English; He has previously worked on show a great way to see trends in garden design,
• Shenzhen has a subtropical climate with gardens in Shanghai and Suzhou. stimulate inspiration within the industry
high humidity, making daytime working • The show lasts for seven days and and allow the exchange of ideas. n

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 160 2025 25