TIMELESS BEAUTY OF THE GARDEN
YEAR: 2018
LOCATION: BABĪTES NOVADS, DZILNUCIEMS
AREA: 1659 M2
DESIGN: RUTA GABRANOVA, ANSIS BIRZNIEKS
The gentle rustling of tall pine trees, a lake mirroring the surrounding forest, and a peaceful calm set the scene in this village near Piņķi. Here, a cluster of private homes, each designed with a unified vision yet imbued with its own unique spirit, nestle harmoniously into the landscape. It's in this relaxing atmosphere where the homeowner and her family have spent their days for several years.
Initially, the homeowners settled into their new abode, adjusting to the daily necessities and desires associated with both the house and the garden. Unlike the house, the garden had yet to be created, leading to a feeling that a new breath of life, space, and purpose needed to be given to it as well. The homeowner had a clear vision for the new garden— it should reflect the wildness found in Latvia’s meadows, showcasing the characteristic variability of our nature, at the same time, it must also be easy to maintain.
The garden is dominated by two architectural elements that create the first impression of its defining features: a strict residential house constructed from various planes with walls that protrude at different heights, and a white, monolithic wall that separates the garden from the forest. The building's architecture plays a crucial role in the garden's design, ensuring a harmonious relationship between the house and its surrounding landscape. After that we take a broader look to capture the overall mood that prevails around us.
The garden’s foundational structure unfolds as a continuation of the architectural style—geometric shapes and straight lines frame the beds, defining distinct garden spaces. Hedges planted at various heights echo the motifs of the home's protrusions, outlining the garden's contours. Meanwhile, hedges of thuja and maple provide a degree of privacy from the street and neighbors. Once a clear structure is established, the plants take center stage. Like a painting framed within strict borders, they create the garden—offering a variety of textures and shades that shift with the light, evoking different feelings and changing perspectives as one observes the garden from various viewpoints and times. The beds are filled with natural-style combinations of grasses and perennials, softening the rigid forms. They surround the house’s terrace, regular lawn areas, and a hidden circular lawn that allows the family to immerse themselves in the garden's natural ambiance. Wildflower meadows in certain zones add a sense of lightness to the garden landscape while also easing maintenance by reducing the mowing area. Vertical accents are provided by existing pines, multi-stemmed specimen trees integrated into the beds, and a wooden pergola structure entwined with climbing plants, creating an enchanting and harmonious garden environment.
Just off the kitchen terrace, there is also a kitchen garden featuring rusted, raised herb boxes and a small garden shed. Against the backdrop of a white wall, fruit tree espalier stands out, while the planted berry bushes provide both a harvest and a natural barrier between the garden and the neighbors. Nearby lies an orchard, accessible via a mown path that connects the shaded area to the kitchen garden, creating a seamless flow between these delightful outdoor spaces.
The garden has gained a completely new dynamic, providing the residents with their own private natural space that delights with its seasonal changes, allowing them to enjoy everyday moments as well as special occasions, and simply to be with themselves and their loved ones. The new garden interacts with nature, with architecture, but most importantly, with people.
