Letters to garden makers

Dear reader, You may have watched 'Paradise Gardens' a brief but fascinating tour of Islamic gardens with Monty Don. It opened the eyes to see how many gardens have been influenced (even if unknowingly) by the idea of a garden made for contemplation. Contemplation and reflection require a still mind. Places in themselves are benign and inert - they only have a voice as they are filtered by our eyes and ears through the mysterious channels of our brain. It is a very human thing - but certain elements such as symmetry, water and sound enhance the effect in the human mind. We can sit in the same space and have very different reactions to it depending on what is happening in our minds and what is happening to the weather and the light. In this country we are very much at the mercy of the weather in terms of contemplating paradise ! These fluctuations in our internal landscape and how they change our visual perceptions and self esteem fascinate me. I wrote the follo...

Dear reader, The sun fills the thinking room highlighting the ruby red of the wine in the glass. I take a sip and its smokiness enhances a post lunch laxity. I have lost all impetus. The days have flown and ever since I said goodbye to Monty I have hardly touched the garden or thought about this blog. After all, there are so many voices out there that are so much better at expressing the 'thing' that is garden making. I recently read Grayson Perry's advice to aspiring artists - do not try to be global but be more like a celebrated local cheese ! So I've been slowly maturing. I like that as an aim - to have some integrity - to be rooted and know yourself and your terroir so that the final expression has real connection. The garden has become neglected - much like many of our gardens at this time of year. My concentration has shifted to making artwork on a scale and output not seen from me since my college days. Perhaps it is due to my mid-life crisis this nee...