Carving a large dragons head for a private garden was an interesting and challenging
piece of work and involved some new techniques for me. You can read about the work
and see pictures here.
I have also built structures, large and small, for public gardens and parks, including
a Totem Pole for Hylands Park, near Chelmsford, the Cowled Monk at Marks Hall Estate
near Coggeshall in Essex (see Galleries), a dragon carving in Danbury Park, and a
large jigsaw structure for the "FUN IN THE PARK" day in Hylands Park.
Alternatively, a feature of interest, which you and your visitors can enjoy purely
because it complements your garden.
Imagine sitting in your own gazebo or summer house; made of wood with a sturdy slate
roof and walls covered with wicker work. Or a living structure made of live willow,
which will cocoon you in its warmth in winter and its coolness in summer, and sigh
and breathe in the breeze.
You can grow your own hazel and willow stalks for use around the garden. Both woods
grow extremely easily and fast and you’ll only need a small patch to grow them in.
Simply cut a small, straight, main branch of either tree and stick it in the soil.
Leave it for about a year and you’ll have straight, strong, pliable branches for
anything from trellis work, bean-poles, fencing, wicker work or broom and four candles.
The wire figure (left) could be left to become overgrown. Placed in amongst the flower
beds it will provide an element of mystery and curiosity, especially at night when
the solar powered LED lights come on. I have been experimenting with solar panels
to provide lighting effects for outdoor pieces to provide additional interest. This
also ties in with my idea of using sustainable materials and being kind to the environment.
The carving (bottom left), entitled “Sit and Ponder”, is an original piece of work
with my own words. It reflects my love of the natural beauty around me and the idea
of taking time to appreciate it.
Some of my outdoor features are pictured on the Galleries pages. Please take a look
and contact me if you have any queries whatsoever - they might be more affordable
than you think!
