THE FALLEN

An increasing number of native wildflower species in the British Isles are on the edge of extinction. Habitat loss, due to the increase of agricultural and residential land use, the enriching of soil due to the over use of fertilisers, air pollution and climate change are key factors.

According to The Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain, C. M. Cheffings, L. Farrell (Eds.). JNCC, Peterborough, 2005 www.jncc.gov.uk (Joint Nature Conservation Committee) there are nine lost native species within the British Isles.

Arnoseris minima - lamb's succory
Caucalis platycarpos - small bur-parsley
Cystopteris alpina - alpine bladder-fern
Epipogium aphyllum - ghost orchid
Euphorbia peplis - purple spurge
Galeopsis segetum - downy hemp-nettle
Otanthus maritimus - cottonweed
Spiranthes aestivalis - summer lady's-tresses
Tephroseris palustris - marsh fleawort

"The Fallen" represents a cemetery of these plants. Each headstone bears the
name of a lost species. The symmetrical layout produced by the white Portland headstones is punctuated by streams of wild meadow planting and strips of lush green turf. The simple colour scheme of shades of blue and white produces a gentle haze of colour adding to the tranquil and reflective atmosphere of the garden, allowing the onlooker to contemplate the species lost so far and ponderthe fate of those that are on the brink.

PLANTING LIST

Daucus carota
wild carrot
Centaurea cyanus
cornflower
Verbena officinalis
vervain
Centaurea nigra
lesser knapweed
Festuca pratensis
meadow fescue
Salvia pratensis
meadow clary
Alopecurus pratensis
meadow foxtail
Echium vulgare
vipers bugloss
Knautia arvensis
field scabious
Briza media
quaking grass

PRESS QUOTES

‘….the elegant design of Sim Flemons and John Warland entitled The Fallen suggests a tranquil cemetery whose graves are covered with lush meadow plants. The Portland headstones, however, are carved with the names such as Arnoseris minima (lamb’s succory) and Galeopsis segetum (downy hemp-nettle) and are a roll call of species that are now extinct in the British Isles.’
Anne Gatti, The Times 4-7-07

“We are thrilled to win gold at Hampton Court. When I set up my own garden design, build and maintenance business, Piece of Green, last year I never expected that I would be exhibiting at an RHS show so soon – let alone winning a gold medal”
Sim Flemons, Ealing Times 26-7-07

‘The best garden design challenges perceptions and stimulates the imagination. The conceptual gardens question and re-define classical design boundaries, and express a level of innovation and creativity that is not always possible within other garden categories. The (Conceptual) gardens on display have been selected…..by a panel of well-known and respected garden designers’
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2007 catalogue

“....to a ‘plant cemetery’, with grave headstones, that highlights the scale of British Wildflower annihilation; these gardens aim to surprise, excite and stimulate debate.”
Diarmuid Gavin, RHS selection panellist

‘….the Fallen Garden, which mourns the loss of native British species, makes a very strong point about how easily our delicate environment can be destroyed.’
Kim Wilde, Daily Mail 3-7-07