Brief Garden: A Sri Lankan Landscape Masterpiece

Brief Garden is a beautifully designed landscape garden located in Beruwala, in the Kalutara District of Sri Lanka’s Western Province. The garden, which spans over 2 hectares (5 acres), was the former home and creative work of architect Bevis Bawa, the elder brother of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa.

History

The garden was established in 1929 after Bevis Bawa inherited the family’s rubber plantation from his mother, Bertha Marianne. The estate’s name, “Brief,” originates from a legal case his father, Benjamin, successfully argued with the earnings used to purchase the property. Lacking interest in running the plantation, Bevis focused his attention on transforming the land into a garden that blended Eastern and Western influences, making it an artistic haven until his death in 1992. Portions of the original 81-hectare estate were sold, leaving behind the core garden area, which is still maintained today by his employees.

Design and features

The garden’s entrance is marked by two ornate gateposts featuring male and female figures, which were created by Bawa in collaboration with Australian artist Donald Friend. These statues reflect the fusion of Eastern and Western artistic traditions, a theme that runs throughout the property.

Inside, visitors can explore winding pathways leading to hidden garden sections and the house, offering a sense of mystery and discovery. The house itself is accessed via a black and white door set in a striking mustard yellow wall, with a curved staircase leading up to it.

Legacy

Bawa’s design philosophy, which integrates nature with art and architecture, continues to inspire visitors and landscape designers. Brief Garden remains a tranquil retreat, showcasing the vision of one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated landscape architects.

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