Silver Gilt Medal
Capturing the fragile threshold between resilience and erosion, Holding the Line explores planting as living coastal infrastructure. Visitors move from a lush contemporary garden into wind-swept dune grasses and finally encounter a sparse, climate-resilient landscape shaped by salt and drought. Sculpted landforms, exposed substrate and weathered structural elements reveal the tension between stability and loss.
As abundance gradually transitions into exposure, the vegetation becomes more than just decoration. Species such as Ammophila arenaria, Leymus arenarius and Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' - all essential in creating continuity within the border - provide framework, filtrate the wind and stabilise sandy soils.
Inspired by the changing British coastline and ecological adaptation, the garden reflects a personal interest in how planting can both protect and respond to environmental pressure.
