Ellerslie Flower Show - Auckland

This beautiful chahar bagh garden, designed by Anne-Maree and Coralie of Live Coverage Landscapes, is based on the ancient Persian chahar bagh (literally “four gardens”) design, an enclosed garden divided into four quarters. These gardens were considered to be the earthly embodiment of the Paradise Garden described in the Koran. The traditional designs on many Persian rugs are inspired by these gardens.

At night the chahar bagh takes on a new life. The thoughtfully illuminated seating invites the visitor to linger awhile and be enveloped in the peace and serenity of chahar bagh. There are no glaring lights to dazzle as the eye is drawn away from the flowerbeds to focus on the gently colour changing water feature, representing the gentle washing away of the cares of the day. When the soul is restored, the garden beyond the walls gently beckons.