Stars and Myths: A Celestial London Garden Inspired by Gaudí

Most gardens solve a problem. This London garden in Crouch End began with a story — the constellations and Antoni Gaudí. Designer Sara Jane Rothwell and landscape architect JoanMa Roig Ortiz wove Greek myth and Catalan architecture into a contemporary narrative.

Before Photo

The journey started with a constellation art piece on the rear brick wall. The clients' Barcelona trips sparked a desire to incorporate Gaudí's work into a celestial theme. "We explored Gaudí's constellations and their links to the Garden of the Hesperides," says Rothwell.

Gaudí's first commission at Güell Pavilions featured a wrought-iron dragon gate — referencing the Hesperides' mythical garden. In Greek myth, the hundred-headed dragon Ladon and three nymphs (the Hesperides) guarded golden apples. Hercules defeated Ladon to steal an apple. Ladon likely inspired the constellation Draco, near Hercules.

London Garden Designer AFTER: Rothwell embedded the myth throughout. "We added a contemporary twist," she explains. "The path crossing the garden links bollard lights as stars to form the dragon constellation." New Zealand wind grass frames the path, emphasizing the dragon shape.

London Garden Designer — The garden unfolds in zones. Near the house, a rainbow-hued Moroccan tile path winds through ornamental plantings — a nod to trencadís, Gaudí's vivid mosaic technique. The colors evoke dragon skin. Hydrangeas echo the tiles.

Moving back, design loosens. Reclaimed Yorkstone replaces tile; flowers yield to foliage.

London Garden Designer — A fire bowl and seating create a pause point beside the path.

London Garden Designer — Perforations in a spiral Cor-Ten panel continue the celestial theme, representing constellations. At night, firelight makes them twinkle like stars.

Existing rear trees became a whimsical woodland. Leftover soil, topsoil, and sand formed grassy mounds at tree bases.

London Garden Designer — An apple tree in the front garden references the Hesperides' golden apples. Three stone apples scatter through the space — one at a path fork.

This 3-D drawing reveals the garden's narrative progression — a projected landscape for contemplation.