Final concept

 As a group we wrote a description of what our border wanted to achieve, this was the basis of our design work:

Inspired by the work of Frida Kahlo, this thought-provoking long border explores the effects that the pressures of social media has on mental health. The primary theme of the gardens is self-reflection, this is explored within the long border and makes links to the trials and tribulations by Kahlo and so the garden is split into two sections: expression and repression. When you first look at the border the first feeling that is evoked will be of contrast however as you start walking around the garden and notice the frames and mirrors it will become evident that there is an element of reflection within the space, similar to the way Kahlo did within her paintings.

The repression of emotions is expressed using dark plants to represent the unknown and the darkness that comes when mental health is not nurtured. The expression side of the garden is filled with bright plants which shows when we express ourselves that beauty comes through. Throughout the garden, there is a thread of red plants: Cornus sibirica alba and Astilbe ‘Fanal’ (× _arendsii_), representing the connection between our subconscious and our conscious. Frida Kahlo’s paintings directly inspire this ribbon-like planting as she often uses a red ribbon to connect herself to her memories which are shown within the painting.

All plants that have been chosen have deep colour and prefer full/partial sun. Many of them are from the pollinators RHS list and therefore have a positive impact on biodiversity.