About the garden

Garden of the Wind is designed for an art and cultural institution, offering an innovative space that encapsulates Eastern aesthetics and philosophy. In alignment with the trend of non-traditional exhibition spaces in outdoor settings, along with a commitment to eco-friendly principles, this garden serves as an interdisciplinary artistic endeavour through collaborations with artists, designers, and professionals.

The structure situated at the heart of the garden integrates traditional Eastern aesthetics with contemporary innovative design. It not only offers visitors a distinctive experience of exploring the garden but also stands as an artwork that captures and visualises the movement of the wind.

Who or what is the design inspiration for the garden?

The garden draws inspiration from Eastern philosophy, serving as a symbolic representation of the therapeutic inner world of Eastern cultures. The intangible force of wind, which holds significant significance in Eastern philosophical beliefs.

Where is the garden set?

The Midlands

Who is this garden for?

East Asian art and cultural institution based in the UK, specialising in contemporary art and philosophy from Eastern cultures.

Key take away from the garden

In this garden, visitors are afforded the opportunity to experience the wind from various perspectives; they can listen to the rustling of leaves as the wind passes through, observe the dynamic movements caused by wind, and enjoy artistic drawings that capture the movement of the wind. In Korean, “wind” and “hope” are homophones; thus, when the wind blows within the garden’s confines, individuals can tangibly perceive a sense of hope and confidence as they adapt to confront future life challenges.

Highlights or themes to notice/know

The central building, co-designed with collaboration artist Ueda Rikuo, serves not only as a multi-perspective vantage point for appreciating the garden, but also stands as an artistic creation that encapsulates the dynamics of wind movement, thereby creating wind drawings.

Topical or newsworthy elements within the garden

The garden serves as an innovation platform for contemporary art creation. By establishing an unconventional outdoor exhibition space and integrating the creativity of artists and designers, it explores environmental protection and innovation through contemporary art practice.

How does the garden reflect the sponsor’s/charity’s aims or key messages?

Garden of the Wind serves as a therapeutic space that embodies Eastern philosophy, resonating with the client’s expertise in Eastern art. It provides a non-traditional venue for showcasing Eastern culture and philosophy, while also offering outdoor spaces to exhibit their art collections.

Current or upcoming gardening trends in the design

In alignment with the trend of non-white cube spaces in outdoor settings, along with a commitment to eco-friendly principles, art institutions are seeking to commission a garden space that can serve as an artistic project through collaborations with artists, designers, and professionals.

Where will the garden be relocated?

The majority of the plants and building materials were supplied by the designers suppliers and will be returned to the them following the conclusion of the exhibition. The remaining materials will be transplanted to establish a permanent garden in The Midlands.

Sustainability

Sustainable building methods, materials or technologies used to help minimise the garden’s environmental impact

In the construction process, the designers will prioritise the utilisation of recycled building materials and minimise the use of cement to achieve environmental sustainability.

Ways the garden promotes environmental responsibility /sustainability

In addition to the above the designers will use ground screws as support structures, thereby adopting more sustainable ways.

Sustainable water management

• Environmentally-sensitive use of hard landscaping
• Resilient planting design (to cope with increased climatic extremes)
• Drought-tolerant planting with soil amendment (such as gravel/rock
  gardens, mulching)
• Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)
• Water features that minimise environmental risk, and maximise environmental benefit (for example, soft-edge ponds)

Plants

New or statement plants

In response to the philosophical significance of Garden of the Wind, a garden that instills hope in individuals, the designers have primarily employed green as the dominant hue, complemented by accents of purple and white in the garden’s colour scheme.

 Five key plants 

• Phyllostachys nigra
• Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’
• Anemone multifida Annabella Series
• Thuidium kanedae
• Racomitrium canescens

These plants were selected to embody the dynamic movement of wind, and to reflect Eastern philosophical principles, both of which are essential components in Eastern gardens.

Unsung plant heroes of the gardening world

Moss serves a critical function in the garden. It plays an indispensable role not only in acting as a natural sponge to absorb rainfall and maintain soil moisture but also in preserving the ecological diversity of the garden and improving air quality.

Edible plants

• Phyllostachys nigra
• Camellia sinensis
• Epimedium sulphureum

These plants embody not only the essence of Eastern aesthetics but also hold significant medicinal and practical value in Eastern medicine.

Plant suppliers

Leaf Creative is supplying the plants. As a multi-award winning creative company, they have extensive experience in the cultivation and supply of plants.

Plant lists are provided by the designer of the garden as a guide to the plants they hope to use in the garden based on the time of year, the location and the client brief. The plants that feature at the Show depends on a variety of factors such as weather during the growing season and availability. While the designers try to update lists where possible, the accuracy of the list cannot be guaranteed.

About the designers

Yun Sunmi is a garden designer and environmental artist based in South Korea with over two decades of experience in garden and landscape design. She has created a range of residential garden, city park, and landscape design projects across South Korea.

Lu Wenjuan (Luna) is a UK-based visual artist and garden designer. Collectively Luna and Yun received a Bronze medal for Green Islands garden at RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2024.

Yun and Luna say, “Our vision of fostering an environment that mutually benefits ecological sustainability and human wellbeing has guided us to initiate our development within the horticultural industry. The garden design we have developed integrates traditional Eastern aesthetics with contemporary artistic practices.”

What are the advantages of designing a garden at the show?

Yun and Luna say, “Participating in garden exhibitions provides an excellent platform for us to showcase our innovative designs and engage in meaningful exchanges with industry professionals.”