How to Explore the Timeless Beauty of Brief Garden: A Journey Through Bevis Bawa's Landscape Masterpiece

Brief Garden is a beautiful landscaped garden located in Bentota, southern Sri Lanka, and is one of the country’s best hidden gems. Designed by Bevis Bawa, it tends to be eclipsed by the Lunuganga Estate nearby, the brainchild of his brother Geoffrey - the famed architect. However, Brief Garden is a must-visit for visitors to Bentota, offering a peaceful retreat that blends art, nature and history. Here is a look at the garden’s layout and vision:

The History of Brief Garden

The story of Brief Garden begins when Bevis Bawa, a landscape artist and architect, inherited the property in the 1920s – it had previously been used as a rubber plantation. The name “Brief” comes from its original use as a family home for lawyers preparing briefs. Bewis Bawa spent over 40 years cultivating the garden and eventually turned it into a vibrant sanctuary that blended nature with art.

Unlike the structured, formal gardens that he saw in Europe, Bawa designed Brief Garden to showcase a wild and free-spirited beauty that reflected the lush tropical landscape of Sri Lanka. Bawa began to introduce new features and elements as the years passed. As a result, Brief Garden is now a symbol of Bawa’s artistic style and vision.

During the height of its popularity in the mid-20th century, Brief Garden attracted many artists, writers, and celebrities, including famous movie stars like Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier. It was not only a place for relaxation but also creative inspiration, serving as a cultural hub. Today, it still retains the artistic charm and continues to inspire visitors.

Design and Layout

Visitors will feel as if they’re stepping into a different world as they enter the garden. There is something unexpected in every corner. The layout of the garden brings together a mix of formal European elements and the wild beauty of Sri Lanka. Bawa’s philosophy was to create a natural landscape that didn’t seem overly manicured, instead allowing the garden to evolve on its own and feel more alive.

One of the most fascinating features of Brief Garden is the way Bawa created pathways to enable visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the surroundings more fully. The paths wind their way through the estate and lead visitors to various hidden nooks with sculptures and other surprises, and secluded spots that are perfect for reflection.

The garden is divided into various sections or “rooms,” with each offering a different atmosphere. Some areas are open and breezy, while others are more covered or sheltered with thick foliage that creates mystery. Bawa also made good use of vistas, so that visitors would experience different types of scenery as they walked through the garden.

Families looking for a hotel in Bentota, Sri Lanka situated close to the garden will find several great options. Choose from luxury resorts and villas like The Villa Bentota by KK Collection, which was once owned by Geoffrey Bawa.

Art and Sculpture

Art is a significant part of Brief Garden with beautiful sculptures and statues scattered about - some of them designed by Bawa himself. The sculptures range from classical to quirky and reflect the personality and tastes of the designer.

There are also art pieces from other artists, including painters and sculptors who were friends and contemporaries of Bawa. One of the most famous statues in the garden is a reclining nude male figure. The addition of sculptures gives the garden a magical quality which is unique in Sri Lanka.

Tropical Flora

The flora of Brief Garden truly brings the designer’s vision to life. The rich greenery of the Sri Lankan tropics is in full display here, with large shady trees, flowers, and bushes. Bawa selected a variety of plants from exotic species to local specimens. There is a lovely contrast, with vivid flowers standing out against the dark green ferns and palm trees. Due to the tropical climate, the plants flourish and thrive in a natural and wild way.