Thankful for all the rain over the past few weeks! Although it has been rather dull and chilly at times.  Here is a short video [75 sec] to brighten your day ...

​During last year’s tour, I was struck by the abundance of Garden Art that embellished gardens, both large and small. The sculptures ranged from joyful abandon to tranquil reflection and whimsical amusement. It was so delightful to discover these flights of imagination, whilst wandering through the lovely gardens. And I was impressed by the novel use of materials, so different to the formal marble sculptures of yesteryear. Keep tuned as later in the year, I will share some mobile and interactive sculptures.

Adversity has marked the history of Nymans since Ludwig Messel bought the estate to create his dream home in 1890. And indeed he did. The glory years of the pre-war era ended abruptly with World War II. Shortly after, a devastating fire destroyed a wing of the house, leaving a romantic gothic ruin as a backdrop to the enchanting gardens. Disaster visited again forty years later during the Great Storm, which blew down 500 trees, including 40 champion trees. Yet the love and artistry of successive generations surmounted every setback to create one of the most romantic gardens you could wish to see.