SEMPER is a design practice that creates gardens etc.
We hold a simple belief: that gardens are more than mere aesthetics; they can nourish the spirit, inspire reflection and heal their stewards. They can be sanctuaries for wildlife, essential parts of larger ecosystems, woven with intention and care. Our landscapes combine a minimalist sensibility with the organic abundance of nature. We do not fight against nature and bend it to our will with heavy-handed interventions and ostentatious statements. We embrace the given conditions and turn challenges into opportunities. We reject the modern notion that gardens should be outdoor rooms; sterile, lifeless and unchanging. We embrace the imperfections in our gardens and the character they will accumulate over time.
Everything in existence is temporary. All gardens exist in this state of impermanence. They are living pieces of art. More time-based media than static sculpture. Unlike architecture which has a stage of completion, gardens are in a constant state of flux. Gardens are always evolving. Always growing. Always waning. Our name SEMPER (ˈsɛmpə), the latin adverb for "always, ever, forever, at all times, on each occasion", is a daily reminder that a garden is an exploration of time and what "always" can be.
Plants are a fascinating medium for design and art. They are living beings with a niche set of conditions in which they will survive, and an even smaller niche in which they will thrive. They are deeply interconnected, ever-changing living beings. There are a near-infinite number of planes of consideration for selecting the right plant. What will it look like in Spring in its first year, and what about Autumn in its fifth year? Will it dominate over its neighbours or will they live in harmony? Will it provide habitat or food for local wildlife? Will it survive a rising climate and longer periods of drought in the not-so-distant future? What shade will that tree create in 100 years time? All of this must be carefully considered through rigorous research.
At SEMPER we design gardens for now, and for generations to come.
To discuss our work, or to get in touch about your next project, reach us at info@semper.garden
