The Brief
Walkways and furniture for new 2.5-acre children’s garden
Project Location
Kew, Richmond, London
Designer
Suzie Jewell / Ground Control
Striking tones and texture create impressive outdoor spaces
Dramatic smooth black in the style of Japanese Yakisugi burnt timber
Kew Gardens was established in 1759 and now houses the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collection in the world. The Children’s Garden opened in 2018 and has transformed a previously underused part of the gardens. Designed by Landscape Architect Suzie Jewell, part of Kew’s in-house design team, it is the most ambitious design project in Kew’s recent history.
Based in a natural setting the size of 40 tennis courts, the project resulted in four interactive gardens themed around the elements that plants need in order to grow: earth, air, sun and water. Jewell opted to use Millboard decking throughout to add resilience to the garden’s walkways and play areas, while maintaining natural beauty. This attraction was specifically created to encourage children to ‘get up close and personal’ with nature, so durability was key to project success.
"Having previously specified Millboard products on design projects for schools, I knew that I could rely on the range for its durability and anti-slip properties, on top of its natural aesthetic."
Suzie Jewell, Landscape Architect at Kew Gardens
