Cosmic

Am going to Charles Jencks Garden of Cosmic Specualtion at Portrack House week after next - will post pics on return. Could any Scottish members reccommend and convivial hostelries nearby?

 

Im ashamed to say that ive never heard of it before. It looks very interesting tho. Is it the same designer that did the piece at the museum of modern art in Edinburgh?

Too far south for me to offer any local knowledge.

Hope you have a great time and remember to take lots of photos

 

Oh my Gosh Bay! It looks absolutely wonderful. I am sooooooo jealous.. but happy you get to go. We will enjoy it vicariously through you.
Have a Fantastic time.
~Dee

 

Yes Cloudy, this is his work at Edinburgh. He built the garden in Dumfries with his wife, Maggie Keswick. I am looking forward to seeing the potager which has representations of the senses. Dee, I will take tons of photees!!! I have a new toy (digital) so this means the pics will see the light of day this year (unlike my rolls of film, many of which are still sitting under the stairs)

[ April 09, 2005, 09:30 PM: Message edited by: Bayleaf ]

 

Just bought a 128mb - think its enough, even for me! (3.2 pixel camera - only small, am just starting with this new fangled stuff) :confused:

 

blimey, I had never heard of it before. It is incredible, I wonder if him indoors owes me any favours............it's a bit of a journey but would be totally mind blowing. hmmmmmmm

 

http://www.gardensofscotland.org/GardenDetails.aspx?GardenID=712

Check the link for opening times, Wine (I'm going with college). Get him indoors to take you - bless, they do have their uses

ooer Nathan that's a big un

[ April 09, 2005, 10:01 PM: Message edited by: Bayleaf ]

 

Hi all
Just back from the most fabulous garden! If you can get there, then do, it truly is worth it. Here are a few pics for a taste, more later. Never been to Scotland before - what a lovely place!

Fractal terrace

Snail & snake mounds

View to the sensory potager from top of cosmic cascade

View through pumice sculpture

 

More pics! Please enjoy looking at them but PLEASE NOTE these pictures are copyrighted to myself & may not be used or reproduced in any form without my permission (so please don't let them turn up on the web elsewhere!)

 

Talked with the head gardener, they started in 1988, and are still expanding it. Many of the ideas originated with Charles Jencks wife, Maggie Keswick (who was a Chinese Garden design specialist - there is evidence of eastern philosophy in the layout) Although it is a garden of profound ideas, & some wit, there is some beautiful & sympathetic planting including some huge specimens, due to the Head gardener & his team. It was interesting to watch one of the gardeners mowing the snake mound with a hover mower on a rope! The place has such a wonderful atmosphere, and feeling of great peace, & does invite contemplation. Also if you look at the surrounding land, you can see where the inspiration for the landforms comes from, even though they have great metaphysical significance attached to them. Apparently, a lot of the work may not have gone ahead - the mounds in particular, as the local planners put a stop to it initially (typical!)& formal planning permission had to be sought & approved! :rolleyes: If you can get there for the open day in May Nathan, do so, you'll not regret it (but get there early, apparently it gets busy)