Backyard Escape: Where Water, Wildlife, and Wellness Meet
A garden decades in the making offers peace, privacy, and the soothing sound of water.
Submitted by: Fabrice; Chigwell, UK
I moved to Chigwell 28 years ago and ended up with the smallest garden you can imagine. Before that, I had been used to a very large one. I live with bipolar disorder and have always found therapy in gardening.
The area here is very built-up, and I was craving a sanctuary—something private, with the soothing sound of water. But what I had was pure clay, a derelict patio, and a dreadful hedge of Leylandii. Buried in the clay were piles of glass, an iron cupboard, a bicycle, and more. Still, I dreamed of creating a peaceful, tropical garden.
I spent six months digging everything out by hand and hauling the rubbish through the house. Then came the more enjoyable part—improving the soil and planting.
Now, after 28 years, I enjoy the peace, the sound of water, and the presence of birds. But it’s at night that the magic truly begins. In those quiet hours, it feels like I’m in the middle of nowhere.
See this garden in person!
Fabric's garden (The Delves) can be found on the National Garden Scheme website and can be visited on select open days. Click here for more information.
More pictures from Fabrice's garden:
