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The Brief Garden close to the small southern town of Induruwa, was a forty year project of Bevis Bawa, the noted Sri Lankan landscape designer who transformed a rubber plantation into a green space harmonizing hundreds of species of tropical plants with a rural setting and the topography of the site to give it a timeless natural feel thus bringing a new depth into garden layouts in the tropics. Many of the plantation's rubber trees were left in place to provide shade for the new plantings and to shade the walkways. Although the garden is confined to a space of only 2.5 ha, clever landscaping makes it seem larger. Visitors can wander along paths shaded with arching bamboos bordered by crotons, cycads, ferns, gingers with stunning red and pink flowers, heliconias with blooms in the shape of red lobster claws and bird of paradise, palms, varied flowering plants, tropical rainforest trees and shrubs. The fragrance of white and pink frangipani and the pink flowers of cannon ball trees pervade the air. There are reflecting pools, ponds and fountains surrounded by aquatic plants. Patches of green sun dappled lawns offer soothing sights for tired eyes and walled gardens provide intimate closely planted spaces. The cascading waterfall inspired by Bevis Bawa's trips to Tuscany Italy is the centre piece of the garden and not only provides a lovely vista when viewed from the top but the relaxing sound of running water definitely gives a cooling and soothing sensation on hot humid days. The site is also known for its Japanese garden and for its many hidden surprises. Inviting nooks, alcoves and secluded sitting areas are found throughout the garden where visitors can relax and take time to enjoy the sights and sounds. Specially designed paving stones found along shady pathways and unusual garden furniture, statues and masks that peek out from the dense plantings add interest and sometimes an amusing note to the exotic collection of tropical plants. Although not marked out, visitors can follow several trails that lead through different beautiful areas of the garden highlighting exotic tropical flora including many endemic varieties, ornamental foliage and brightly coloured blooms to their best advantage. Birdwatchers may find the property of interest as many endemic varieties of avifauna find the micro climate created by the garden conducive. Brief Garden is a fine example of what a well planted tropical garden could look like. It is a much appreciated wonderful environment friendly legacy left by Bevis Bawa. With the ambience of a private dwelling Villa 700 by Jetwing offers the opportunity for groups of friends and family or individuals to take it easy surrounded by all the comforts of home. This Induruwa hotel offers visitors a truly relaxing stay where days are spent enjoying the beach, the pool and the extensive garden with no fixed times for anything, making these villas in Sri Lanka synonymous with laidback luxury. Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
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