In 2012 Rory Stuart published ‘What Are Gardens For?’ and in it he offered a critique of Veddw. Amongst other things (get the book..) he said: ‘The avenue in the meadow should lead somewhere, perhaps through a gate or an arch into the shade of the Cotoneaster Walk’.
Going Nowhere.
I agreed, and he wasn’t the only person to have mentioned it. But I couldn’t see how to resolve the problem. There was a great tree there and no obvious way through. We thought, discussed, consulted and contemplated.
Then Noel Kingsbury visited and I asked him for ideas and he suggested a way through. (Literally) And somehow my mind added the birdbath that we had, somewhat oddly, spare. (The full story here.) And a possible solution emerged. And Jeff started building.
The Build. And builder.
And – a way through!
Poldark outdone?!
That is not a little grenade. It’s Billy’s toy.
Bird bath arrives. That takes two.
Levelling…..
Creator and Assistant – job done!
And then, of course, being me, I painted it black.
So, I am hoping that that satisfies. Got to live with it to be sure. And hear what other people think.
Rory’s book not only critiqued Veddw (and I know you’d love to read that) but also The Old Vicarage, East Ruston, Norfolk and The Alnwick Garden. And is altogether a good read.
As is (of course) Outwitting Squirrels, out NOW!
Many thanks to Jeff, Billy, Rory, Noel and everyone else who pointed out that we needed to do something here. You were right. I hope the solution satisfies?
A cracking solution! (sorry!)
*falls over laughing*
You certainly get a sense of wondering what it is at the end of that view, inviting you to walk on. The only thing is, where does the path behind the bird bath lead to?! I guess that’s the point đ
That is exactly the point – we angled the path away so that you have to go through to find out. It works then! xx
I like the semi-circular-ness of the ‘feature’ and the way it echoes the shapes of the trees leading down to it. And am very intrigued by the path – any photo’s due to be posted on where it leads?!
Well, I guess I could….stops being intriguing then?
Come July 6th this year, I shall have the perfect piece for your garden! Much better than the knackered giant telly I tried to palm off on you last time….
I hope it’s not a squirrel… Your reputation with squirrels is not a good one.
From Rory Stuart by email:
Well, thank you for puffing my book, and I do like the solution. I almost always enjoy moments in the garden when the eye is drawn downward, and we have to stop. Is the garden visitor’s eye ever drawn upward? That might be an exciting idea to explore. I remember in a garden in Kashmir a mountain suddenly appearing almost overhead. WOW!
Good solution. A tribute to the efficacy of creative minds working toward a common solution.