Hauser and Wirth, Somerset
Piet Oudolf, the internationally-renowned landscape designer from the Netherlands has designed the landscaping scheme for Hauser & Wirth Somerset at Dursdale Farm. When this project began, Dursdale Farm was a collection of grade II listed farm buildings that had fallen into disrepair. Working closely with Paris based architect, Luis Laplace, who envisioned the renovation of the entire site, Piet has created gardens that are absolutely integral to the whole gallery complex.
Oudolf Field is a large perennial meadow that sits behind the gallery. Carefully shaped and planted, the garden echoes the tradition of classical gardens, but the variety of species and combination of plants creates a looseness softening the formality of its appearance. The garden contains over 26,000 herbaceous perennials. Wide canopied trees have been planted between the gallery and garden to frame the view. The surrounding hedges provide a sense of enclosure, whilst the views of the hills and fields beyond remain visible. A series of paths cut through the vegetation, inviting visitors to wander through the garden. Oudolf's landscaping design continues around the buildings including the inner cloister courtyard, where the old buildings meet the new.
