On acquisition of St Antony's Hall from the City of York Council in 2008, the Trust also acquired what were described as, the Old Borthwick buildings, Cowards Printers and a garden, all in a considerable state of disrepair. Along with conservation to the Hall, the Trust saw an opportunity to restore the outbuildings for commercial use and regenerate the lost garden, bringing it back from a wilderness to create an attractive public space.
To create this city centre haven, local architect Richard Parkin was engaged to work on conversion of the buildings, including the creation of a café/restaurant in the old workshop, and the students of Bishop Burton College led by Dr Annette Parkes, were invited to produce a new garden design.
The students created a number of proposals from which a design was approved that made best use of the different levels and vistas afforded from beneath the city walls, down to street level. Creating different views and routes around the space with a range of sensory planting and all year round appeal. The garden was also to be fully accessible, incorporating:
Move the slider from left to right and back to see the transformation from plans to planting.
Elements of spirituality, practicality, education and historical timelines have all provided inspiration for the garden design taken from St Anthony's Hall as a medieval Guild Chapel and its subsequent rich history. Heraldic symbols provided the underlying pattern that divides the garden into several distinct planting areas, designed to bring pleasure and healing to everyone who visits.
A garden for everyone to enjoy. The project began in 2008 and culminated with a York Design Award in 2009.
When you enter the garden from Peasholme Green you'll find a large sandstone shield commemorating the garden's design and restoration and the links to St Anthony's Hall. The dry stone wall represents a journey through life, starting with enclosure and security, followed by the ups and downs of life's challenges. The borders are filled with evergreen architectural plants providing all year round structure and colour including Astrantia and Penstemon.
Mounded Hebes and low level grasses and fan-shaped Phormium add rhythm to the transition zones between distinct garden areas. Predominantly green tones give a calming effect against the sensory planting of the raise courtyard bed.
Transparent grasses catch the light; the scent of Lilac and Lavender catch the air. Purples and pink predominate with Verbena adding a mist of colour in summer. Tactile plants such as downy Lambs Ears and feathery Pony Tails tempt you to touch. The central sculpture mimics the wavy grasses, which form a link throughout the garden adding movement and texture.
The planting in this central feature stimulates the senses of SIGHT, HEARING, TOUCH, TASTE and SMELL. Our senses reconnect us with the natural world and a garden as a healing place.
Box squares either side of the seating provide all year structure and texture, whilst Stone Crops and Verbena and naturalised meadow planting envelop the visitor. With the scent of Thyme in the air, the red-barked Cherry tree and Dogwood provide a focal point.
The city walls and an informal variegated holly hedge with occasional hawthorn trees provide a strong and unified backdrop to the woodland area. Architectural ferns and specimen evergreen shrubs provide structural unity, with winter interest from the bell-shaped Christmas rose.
The hot and spicy colours of sunshine to bring a smile to your face and encourage pollinators to visit the garden.
Including images courtesy of Alan Harris.
