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Mythic Garden Sculpture Exhibition
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Mythic Garden Sculpture Exhibition
Nestling on a hillside near Chagford and Drewsteignton and open to the public year round, Stone Lane Gardens designed by local man Kenneth Ashburner and his wife June, are a lovely arboretum and a National Collection of Birch and Alder with a water garden.
Famously hosted by the gardens in the summer, ‘The Mythic Garden’ Sculpture Exhibition opens on May 13th and 2018 will be its 25th anniversary. In celebration many contributing artists will use the theme of silver and among the highlights of this annual summer event will be sculptures by internationally-known artists Peter Randall-Page and Andrew Logan.
As a Charitable Trust, on the death of June Ashburner in 2016 the trustees fully took over the running of the gardens and this year have launched the Stone Lane Gardens Water Garden Renovation Appeal. The restoration and replanting of the spring-fed water garden is much needed and landscape designer Duncan Rice has drafted plans inspired by the original designs. Garden lovers can help with the water garden's restoration by sending a cheque or by using a simple 'Donate' button on the web site's Welcome page at www.stonelanegardens.com. For details of the project, contact Paul Bartlett at admin@stonelanegardens.com, or the press office at pressoffice@stonelanegardens.com.
Assisted by local volunteers around the grounds, gardens manager and tree expert Paul Bartlett goes out and about to give talks and engages local schools with the natural world around us. In the garden's barns studio space is rented by local artists and exhibitions and musical occasions are held in an old hay barn. Based in the grounds professional photographer John Howells, well-known for his landscape and wildlife photography, runs regular workshops for enthusiasts.
Stone Lane Gardens have disabled access, children are welcome to play on lawns among the trees and in a tranquil corner, visitors can sit in a 'silent space' next to a pond and stream. A specialist nursery is open from Monday to Friday selling saplings to gardeners and professional horticulturists. In the summer of this year a small flowering plant sales area will be open, along with a new Pop-Up Cafe serving teas.
For more information visit www.stonelanegardens.com