Portrack Garden

Rob and I went to visit 'The Garden of Cosmic Speculation' at Portrack House at Holywood, near Dumfries on Sunday 1 May. It was opened under Scotland's Garden Scheme, for charity. It was just open for one day (and for the first time in many years).

This photo shows the sculptured landscape with lakes designed by husband and wife team Charles Jencks and Maggie Keswick Jencks. The view is seen from the top of the spiral mound (shown in the 4th photo).

Red Bridge with seat...

A beautiful rhododendron in the more naturalistic area of the garden.

The 'Snail Mound'. The people capering about on it give some idea of the scale.

Portrack House.

It was a hot, sunny day and there were hundreds of people there - picnicking, sun bathing and exploring every corner of the grounds.

We enjoyed looking at the Garden, but decided that all of that grass would be a bit too high maintenance for us ;o) I prefered the more natural looking areas with lots of plants, trees and, hopefully, wildlife. How on earth do they mow that mound?! The version at National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh is perfect, though, - just right for the setting.

Potfest In The Park 2009

Rob and I went to this lovely ceramic market for 100+ artists from all over Europe. The market is held under marquees in the grounds of Hutton-in-the-Forest near Penrith.

There is an annual competition for the ceramic artists. This year's was called 'Building Bridges'. This was one of my favourites with little ships mounted on pieces of driftwood. Here you can see a naughty visitor about to grasp hold of the exhibit.

We had a lunch of brie and onion chutney in ciabatta, followed by ice cream for me, and oat and pumpkin seed biscuits for Rob.

There was a three piece brass ensemble playing throughout the day to add to the festive atmosphere. Here I am smirking unnecessarily at one of the exhibits. As well as looking at the ceramics, you can wander round the walled gardens and grounds of the house, which were very beautiful and buzzing with insects at this time of year.



This was one of my favourite exhibitors. The dogs were caricatures, but very well observed, and reminded us a lot of our dear departed Tess, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Find out more about Potfest here.