Reimagining the Physic Garden
Transforming a collaborative design vision into a crafted landscape through bespoke fabrication and installation.
CLIENT: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
CATEGORY: Landscape Architecture
PROJECT TYPE: Manufacture and on-site installation
LOCATION: Birmingham, UK
MATERIALS: Treated timber
PHOTOGRAPHER: Project team
APPROACH:
We were commissioned to fabricate and install a series of bespoke timber cruciform raised planters for the reimagined Physic Garden at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, delivered as part of a collaborative project with Birmingham City University.
Founded in the 1830s and designed by J.C. Loudon, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is one of the UK's most significant historic botanic gardens. As part of its ongoing regeneration, the new Physic Garden reinterprets the historic tradition of medicinal and dye gardens as a contemporary space for learning, wellbeing, biodiversity and cultural exchange.
Designed by project lead Dr Michael Dring, in association with Dr Sian Hindle and Caroline Raybould, the scheme evolved through an interdisciplinary Design Challenge involving Birmingham City University students and staff from a range of creative disciplines and members of the garden team.
Our role was to bring the design into reality by manufacturing and installing a series of bespoke timber cruciform raised planters. Fabricated in our workshop and carefully assembled on site, the planters create the structural framework for a richly planted landscape that supports biodiversity while providing an engaging space for learning, reflection and community.
The project demonstrates how thoughtful collaboration between designers, educators and makers can transform ambitious ideas into lasting public spaces. We are proud to have played a part in shaping this exciting transformation.
Our contribution
Bespoke fabrication of timber cruciform raised planters
Manufacture in our workshop
On-site installation at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Collaboration with Birmingham City University staff and student volunteers, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, team Jen Ridding, Bethan Collerton and Dan Husselbee to realise the project
