Dear Bryan,
It seems to me that the main path through the park is too straight. There will be a tendency for the park to be used as a short cut and little else. I think the first thing one should see from either entrance is a foliage 'screen' (holly, bamboo, beech etc) which blocks the view of the exit. The railings look nice, but again should have a green 'screen' immediately behind to attenuate traffic noise and to create a sense of tranquility. I'm not sure I would want to sit in a park where I can see traffic passing on both sides. I think one should be able to sit around the ponds too, which means allowing space between the larger pond and the building.
The vertical face of the boundary buildings offer scope for climbing plants, such as clematis and jasmine. You could use weathering steel to make frames for climbing plants. The frames could overhang into the garden proving a green canopy. In fact, fragrant hardy plants/herbs like rosemary, lavender, etc., would be nice near the seating areas. A few tall trees would be nice to shield the view of the buildings/skyline and to attenuate noise reflected off the sides of the building. A wide, long rose pergola would do the same thing, and provide a seasonal attraction (also cherry trees etc).
There seems to be a lot of concrete, which will reflect noise and heat. Gravel paths would be nicer, and would allow free draining during rain storms, thus minimising run-off.
The pocket park is a nice idea. Is this a real project, or just an exercise?
Kind regards,
Bob
Kind regards,
Bob
