Poor St Mary le Strand. Black cab drivers once referred to the church on the eastern side of the Strand (London) as St Mary in the way. Due to its location in the midst of a very busy intersection. How great wouldn’t it be just to get rid of the old church? Well, as it turned out, the complete opposite happened. The traffic had to give way. For a pedestrianised area! Not sure I’d like to know what the black cab drivers call it now … Much better to rejoice in the fine scenery of how old church meets contemporary garden.
Old church meets contemporary garden – St Mary le Strand, London
An adage in garden design circles is that garden and abode should harmonise. So, for example, a 19th century house should ideally have a garden with characteristics from the same era. Often this provides for stunning results. Having said that. Rules are there to be broken. Contrast can rock very well. Such as in the example of St Mary le Strand.
The old church is now back to back with a highly contemporary garden. Self binding gravel paths lined with corten coloured steel edging. Sleek benches with timber positioned with the short edge up. A modern planting scheme that is yet to mature, but already showing its true colours.
A nice touch in the wider surrounding is to have audio recordings playing. This is a spot with a strong history rooted in broadcasting. Stimulating the hearing senses as well as being educational at the same time. Well done!
