THE GAMBIA
Two years ago, I was invited to The Gambia to help bring my ethos of wild gardens to a new context. Once the design was complete, I was invited back to help bring the plan to life using local people, materials, and craftmanship to make it happen.
There were many variables to this design and to the build itself. Practicality was key. The land is dusty, it’s a large space and dust can be picked up by the wind easily. There were areas of existing pathway but no cohesion and to get around meant tracking through the sandy earth, problematic during the rainy season due to water logging.
Our aim was to bring the feeling of ‘the bush’ back into the space as much of the natural vegetation is being ripped out of the area. This will create shade, privacy and tranquillity, an escape for the family and visitors. We plan to envelop this in a tiered food forest to feel wild but also be fully edible, providing food to the people and also habitat to wildlife.
This project was a great example of our philosophy of ‘Hard lines’. By using simple concrete walkways, we create a practical, lowcost solution. These walkways are elevated above ground, with gaps allowing water to flow through them, meaning the garden can be easily accessed all year round.
Larger platforms provide areas for relaxation and escapism, firepits, outdoor kitchen, hammock area are just a few things that will be added to this garden over time. These surfaces ensure no matter how wild the garden gets, it will always be useable and accessible. This idea gives people the freedom to let go rather than worrying about the upkeep and perceived ‘messiness’ of wild approaches.
Big Shout out to all the family and local people who made this happen. It felt like a true collaboration and what we managed to achieve in the space of two weeks was remarkable. Looking forward to revisiting and seeing how wild this place gets and hopefully might inspire others building in The Gambia to do things a little differently 🌱
