As an avid follower of gardening programmes featuring our own local hero - Alan Titchmarsh, I have often heard him refer to the inclusion of a Focus Feature - almost a must for every garden and which appears to be an increasing trend.
Gone are the days of just plants, shrubs and trees, the odd tomato plant or vegetable patch - your garden can feature anything! A sculpture that can compliment or shock …. there are no hard and fast rules.
I am having difficulty though imaging a sculpture brilliantly placed between the slide, see saw and mountain of other toys strewn around the garden. But I know what Alan would say “divide your garden into rooms”! My area would be at the bottom, a peaceful tranquil setting for me to sit and ponder, away from it all, gazing at my amazing sculpture.
I am in need of inspiration and to my amazement have discovered just the place literally on our doorstep - The Pride of the Valley Sculpture Park, based in Churt. Its website describes 'the most atmospheric Sculpture Park in Britain with more than 150 renowned sculptors exhibiting over 200 sculptures for sale, within ten acres of arboretum & wildlife inhabited water gardens'. Following the mile and half, meandering pathway, enjoying both the countryside surroundings and modern and contemporary Sculptures is apparently breathtaking.
I have read many delighted testimonials from past visitors and am now planning to discover for myself how art and nature can be combined.– Looking forward to a wonderful day out.
'Brilliantly designed. Very imaginative, incredible grounds, amazing sculptures and plenty to see.'
'Visiting The Sculpture Park has left me so enthusiastic about sculpture. The atmosphere is special - its a magical world of sculpture without borders. You'll love it too - the sights and the energy.'
