On to the final stages – Caitriona arrives. Here is a small sample of the work she did last time for us:
Headstones in the Wild Garden
So, work begins on this new project, from the bottom…
and starts in red crayon –
Then the carving begins..(tap tap tap tap…)
Bit intimidating?
Caitriona reaches the top and Charles has an inspection..
Carving done!
Done!
When it’s finished, it gets washed – hence the dribble on the pic.
Then it’s my turn. Painting the letters.
I spent some time getting a cream colour mixed and because the stone colour varies, I varied the paint colours as I went. Hard to see except in the flesh, as it were. Not sure that this picture is an accurate representation. But the stone does have varied and delightful colouring – it’s a red sandstone, our basic rock locally. (see ‘Why our seat are pink’)
And then it was really FINISHED!!!!!!!!
And here it is, in context.
PHEW.
Thank you to everyone involved. You were great.
Anne.
I’ll give it a “wow”! The size is just right for its surroundings. I think I’ve worked out where it is so if it’s not there I’ll have a surprise. To me it looks a slightly different shape in situ to that at rest in the car park.
It’s the same one that was in the car park….Thanks for the ‘wow’ !
It is beautiful Anne
Thank you, Paul.
Oh, my. What a piece of work. The quotation is perfect, the setting enhances the quote, the stone, the meaning. Bravo! I get goosebumps looking at it.
Yes, I thought you would relate to it… Xxxx
Looks great…….you’re all very talented.
Thank you, Helen.
A fine piece indeed. I love the poem, it is most apt. Now I want to print the picture, get my pen out and experimentally, unasked, without permission, interfering…. play with the shapes of the hedges….bevel some bits to compliment that slanting slab top…..grow a bit….. clip again….shamelessly trample over Anne’s creation….I shall quietly burn in hell…….
You’re garden designer, Katherine, – you know that you can’t mess around like that without messing up a great deal more than the context for the stone.You will never be allowed near it with a hedge trimmer in hand…..
Speaking of hedge trimmers… You placed it to allow room for clipping of the hedge behind it, yes?
It’s an affecting piece on many levels. Thanks for the look behind the scenes.
Good thought, Nell, and yes, we did!
Looking forward to travelling down to see this for real in the summer! What date do you open again?
The begining of June, Sunday afternoons – see http://www.veddw.co.uk/ Hope to see you here, Maureen.
Good job. And a lasting memorial to your time (& work) at Veddw.
Thank you. I wonder what will become of it? Maybe other people will add their names and dates…
Wonderful! The stone looks fantastic Anne, I love the words and their double meaning. Lovely colours in the stone too which didn’t show up in earlier pictures. What a brilliant collaborative effort, congrats to all involved!
The stone is such a fabulous colour and I love the font used. A wonderful tribute to you both for all the work you have put into your garden.
Thank you Deb!
Absolutely extraordinary, Anne! Well done!!! Guess we now HAVE to cross the pond again to revisit Veddw!
Of course. Xxx
That’s very special. It makes me happy.
That’s rewarding – thanks!
At first I was doubtful, but now that I can see the color and texture of the stone, I see it creates its own space, almost another dimension. And the quotation fits my understanding of the garden very well. Is 1987 the year you and Charles started the garden?
Yes, it was when we came to the Veddw…Thanks, James. xx
JUST LOVE IT! xxxx
Sweet!
It is beautiful and looks so happy in its space. A real wow piece.
Mary
I love the idea of a happy stone! Xx
I am impressed, not only by the finished product but the conception, execution and result. Especially since it was no easy feat getting that stone into place. Thank you for the inspiration and the reminder not to shy away from difficult goals in the garden.
Thank you, Amy.
It is a humble and humbling. And perfect. The surface texture of that stone looks as though it will do exciting things with the light when you get wet weather.
Thank you, Joe – and you’re right. It may be the only thing in the garden that looks best in the rain!