Bristol’s RWA recently completed a £4.5m transformation. The available planting space of four large beds were set in a new forecourt facing a busy roundabout, leading us to think of it as nature bursting through cracks in the paving. We took inspiration from Piet Oudolf’s planting on the High Line in New York.

We selected reliable species, planted naturalistically and dominated by ornamental grasses. Bright, hot hues for the flowers provide a swathe of painterly colour that is eye catching from afar.

Height in the design is provided by two multi stem formed Amelanchier ‘Robin Hills’. They stand up well to being containerised and offer visual change throughout the seasons.

To reflect the ‘open arms’ feel the gallery wanted to promote through their recent refurbishment we included two flowers specific to Bristol. Allium sphaeracephalon aka ‘The Bristol Onion’ and Lychnis chalcedonica or ‘Flower of Bristol’. Reflecting the gallery itself, we selected the stunning ‘Artist’ tulip cultivar.

The planting provides food for pollinators and the trees provide berries for birds. Seed heads are to be left to stand as long as possible to offer food and shelter to wildlife. All the plants are safe to touch and invite interaction with the soft ‘lamb’s ears’ of the Stacyhs, Geum seed heads and feathery grasses.