Where in the world can you find a superb Himalayan Garden, filled with stunning sculptures by world-class artists?
Near Kirkby Malzeard of course! You're probably wondering exactly where that is? Just up the hill from Masham in Wensleydale, a short drive after the wonderful Hackfall.
The gardens didn't have a promising start - when Peter and Caroline bought the 20 acre woodland in 1996 it was infested with Japanese Knotweed and was mainly Hazel and dense Spruce.
A well-known specialist, Alan Clark suggested that their combination of acid soil, sloping hills and micro-climate meant the site was perfect for Rhododendrons. A few were already growing along the drive and since those early days, countless Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camelias and Magnolias have been planted.
Near Kirkby Malzeard of course! You're probably wondering exactly where that is? Just up the hill from Masham in Wensleydale, a short drive after the wonderful Hackfall.
The gardens didn't have a promising start - when Peter and Caroline bought the 20 acre woodland in 1996 it was infested with Japanese Knotweed and was mainly Hazel and dense Spruce.
A well-known specialist, Alan Clark suggested that their combination of acid soil, sloping hills and micro-climate meant the site was perfect for Rhododendrons. A few were already growing along the drive and since those early days, countless Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camelias and Magnolias have been planted.
A myriad of winding paths take visitors up and down hills, in and out of woods, and around the three lakes, As you follow the paths, it's noticeable how the planting and even the temperature changes, with different areas of interest through out the opening season.
In early Spring you'll find early flowering Rhodos and lots of spring flowers such as wood anemones and primulas, with about 150 varieties of magnolia.
In May the ferns really unfurl and the bluebells bloom. From then on the colours through out the Garden get stronger and stronger.
In my mind what makes the Gardens really special are the sculptures. When I first visited a few years ago there were many of them, pleasingly scattered through out the gardens so there was plenty to interest at every turn, some more dramatic than others.
In early Spring you'll find early flowering Rhodos and lots of spring flowers such as wood anemones and primulas, with about 150 varieties of magnolia.
In May the ferns really unfurl and the bluebells bloom. From then on the colours through out the Garden get stronger and stronger.
In my mind what makes the Gardens really special are the sculptures. When I first visited a few years ago there were many of them, pleasingly scattered through out the gardens so there was plenty to interest at every turn, some more dramatic than others.
We visited again today. There are now 80 sculptures to find and enjoy, and plenty of 'wow' moments as so many are surprising, huge, dramatic, and beautiful. Some appear to have been made specifically for the site, such as the elongated and elegant Still Sitting by Helen Sinclair by Magnolia Lake. Judging by the gorgeous lichen growing on her back, this stone woman has already been patient for some time.
Some of the sculptures are very simple like the stone circle made of old gate posts, a mini version of Stonehenge or nearby Druids Temple. From a little distance away the stones look like dancers in a circle joining hands - or maybe that's just in my mind.
Others are beautiful and thought provoking such as Contemplation Circle by Liam O'Neill whose work even played a role at a difficult moment in the 2007 peace process in Northern Ireland. Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern made a highly symbolic presentation to Dr. Ian Paisley of a vessel made from walnut which had grown on the site of the Battle of the Boyne. The gesture promoted Paisley to shake Ahern's hand, calling for continued talks.
We enjoyed watching and speaking to local sculptor Anna Whitehouse who was finishing work on her sculptural spheres, inspired by pollen grains and clay collected from the gardens.
Some of the sculptures are very simple like the stone circle made of old gate posts, a mini version of Stonehenge or nearby Druids Temple. From a little distance away the stones look like dancers in a circle joining hands - or maybe that's just in my mind.
Others are beautiful and thought provoking such as Contemplation Circle by Liam O'Neill whose work even played a role at a difficult moment in the 2007 peace process in Northern Ireland. Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern made a highly symbolic presentation to Dr. Ian Paisley of a vessel made from walnut which had grown on the site of the Battle of the Boyne. The gesture promoted Paisley to shake Ahern's hand, calling for continued talks.
We enjoyed watching and speaking to local sculptor Anna Whitehouse who was finishing work on her sculptural spheres, inspired by pollen grains and clay collected from the gardens.
I really love the six pieces by Subodh Kerkar from Goa. He gave up medicine to pursue arts and activism, commenting on social and political issues. His work is large and dramatic, richly textured and uses natural materials such as wood, shells, coconut and pine cones so you can't help but want to stroke it. I found myself smelling some pieces too.
You can easily spend several hours in the gardens, following the meandering paths, discovering the scattered sculptures and pausing on the many seats around the site.
The owners describe the gardens as "an oasis of calm and tranquility in a wonderful woodland setting" - they definitely are. I love places that are intriguing and unexpected in some way, and think that's what I enjoy most about these gardens, particularly because of the new sculptural additions.
The whole venture feels brave and bold, and has gradually grown. More and more people are discovering the Himalayan Gardens, and returning again and again. Today was a wonderfully sunny day with plenty of cars in the car park but it was still easy to escape everyone else and find quiet corners of beauty to enjoy.
The gardens are open from Mid April to Mid July and then again to enjoy the Autumn colours from early October to early November. There's an excellent play area for children and good sized tea room at the top of the site.
You can easily spend several hours in the gardens, following the meandering paths, discovering the scattered sculptures and pausing on the many seats around the site.
The owners describe the gardens as "an oasis of calm and tranquility in a wonderful woodland setting" - they definitely are. I love places that are intriguing and unexpected in some way, and think that's what I enjoy most about these gardens, particularly because of the new sculptural additions.
The whole venture feels brave and bold, and has gradually grown. More and more people are discovering the Himalayan Gardens, and returning again and again. Today was a wonderfully sunny day with plenty of cars in the car park but it was still easy to escape everyone else and find quiet corners of beauty to enjoy.
The gardens are open from Mid April to Mid July and then again to enjoy the Autumn colours from early October to early November. There's an excellent play area for children and good sized tea room at the top of the site.
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