This extraordinary project was on a 10 acre plot (app 5ha) on the western slopes of the Rockies. With a rainfall of little more than 30cm (most as snow), summer temperatures of 30oC and winter temperatures of -20oC, this could reasonably be described as a difficult environment in which to establish a garden.

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The front garden takes its cues from the unusual architecture. The rear garden is on a larger scale, and merges out into the surrounding landscape. The sweeps of herbaceous planting were based on Xeriscape planting so as to be compatible with the climate and used a high proportion of native material.

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John Wyer of Bowles & Wyer produced the concept masterplan for the scheme and James developed this, providing setting out for the client and putting together the planting scheme, referring to a local plant database for guidance.  The project went on to win the 2012 SGD international award.

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This project was designed whilst working for Bowles & Wyer