368: Max Harriman

Peter Donegan chats with RHS Young Designer 2018 Finalist Max Harriman, a garden designer with Bowles and Wyer and former student of London College of Garden Design. The Sodshow is available every Friday in Spotify, all good podcast stores and The Sodshow website. Having grown up on an arable farm in Northumberland, Max established a passion for gardening from a young age. His profound fascination with the plant kingdom led Max to study Plant Biology at University where his research touched on agricultural genetics and floral form. Max enrolled at the London College of Garden Design under the tutelage of Andrew Wilson. Upon graduation, in which Max gained a Distinction, he was also awarded the external examiner’s prize for his final project, as decided by James Basson. Since completion of his diploma, Max kick started his career and is currently working as a Junior Designer for the highly acclaimed Landscape Design firm Bowles and Wyer. Max used his experience within the scientific field to explore the research surrounding landscape design and improving mental health. His garden, ‘Calm in Chaos’ which highlights the importance of green space in the urban environment, has been selected to participate in the Young Garden Designer of the Year competition at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show. Calm in Chaos: Calm in Chaos is a space designed for guests to escape the stresses associated with urban living. The garden has been designed around key elements of the natural environment that have been proven to improve mental well being, and invites the visitor to spend as much time within the space as to reap the restorative benefits. The meandering path increases the sense of scale, whilst the series of timber posts partially obscure the guest’s view creating constantly changing viewpoints and encouraging further exploration into the space. The natural and restrained material palette creates simplicity and a calming atmosphere. Planting in the garden is predominantly green to highlight the importance of green space. The variety in leaf form, shape and size are designed to stimulate the attention of visitors, whilst white and cream flowers bring about a feeling of calm. More info: Twitter: @sodshow facebook: The Sodshow instagram: sodshow