Small Garden Design and Construction – 'Van Gogh: Expressions of Life'

About the Project

This proposal draws its inspiration from the distinct oil painting style of Vincent van Gogh, seamlessly weaving elements from his renowned works 'The Starry Night' and 'Wheatfield with Cypresses' into both the horizontal and vertical design elements. The metaphor of an 'easel' is skillfully employed to spotlight his identity, incorporating the iconic 'Yellow House' from his time in Arles, which symbolizes his unwavering quest for an idyllic existence. The selection of plants encompasses yellow and blue blossoms that mirror van Gogh's distinctive painting style, complemented by diminutive rounded cypresses, boxwoods, and blue fescue grasses. Furthermore, seven groupings of dwarf sunflowers are thoughtfully arranged, serving as a representation of his fervent dedication to his craft during his prolific artistic phase.

Through the amalgamation of an easel, canvas, and individual masterpieces, an array of pure color blocks converges to conjure the vibrant theater of van Gogh's life. This composition not only captures the landscape in front of us with an artistic finesse but also evokes the sensation that this panorama exists exclusively within his rich and enchanting inner realm. The imagery on these canvases appears to extend from his brushstrokes into the realm of the mundane. His art becomes a manifestation of his soul, its essence both simple and unadulterated. Each creation encapsulates his essence, molding his distinct universe. The tableaus and settings he portrays might very well be the episodes of the life saga that are uniquely intertwined with Vincent van Gogh's being.

Results Presentation

Summary

The practical execution phase rarely unfolds as seamlessly as initially envisioned during the design stage. In our case, we encountered unexpected hurdles when we were unable to procure the dwarf sage varieties we had originally intended to include from the flower market. Consequently, we needed to adapt our approach by excavating the site, striving to achieve a visual result that aligned more closely with our initial concept. This endeavor led us to a significant amount of digging, and just when we thought we were making progress, a heavy bout of rain transformed the site into an expansive pool. Despite our best efforts to restore the area and plant the vegetation, the rainy weather persisted...

Throughout the entire construction process, there was a palpable sense of perpetual motion, with challenges appearing almost relentlessly, regardless of whether we had successfully resolved previous issues or not. Yet, through a steady succession of addressing one predicament after another, progress was somehow made almost imperceptibly. Although the ultimate outcome didn't quite meet our anticipated standards due to our oversight of site conditions and weather dynamics, retrospection reveals that we managed to complete the project with a considerable degree of success given the formidable circumstances we confronted. Accomplishing this feat amid such adverse conditions is, in itself, an admirable achievement.