The Alnwick Garden

The Making of The Alnwick Garden

By Ian August, with a forward by the Duchess of Northumberland
2006, Pavilion

‘Ian, I’ve had an idea!’ was the simple statement that began a ten-year battle to build the most exciting contemporary garden in Britain. Ian August was about to retire from his post as Estates Clerk of the Works when the Duchess of Northumberland approached him. Her concept was broad, unique and not for the faint-hearted. She wanted to create a pleasure garden for the North-East, a place that could be enjoyed by anyone, which broke down traditional design boundaries. A long journey later, with many battles fought and millions spent, Ian and the Duchess have achieved their dream.

The Making of The Alnwick Garden is the story of that journey as told by Ian August, the man that has stood at the Duchess’s side since the beginning. It describes the fight for sponsorship and the struggle to persuade the public that this was a garden for all, not an aristocratic fancy; he charts the efforts they made to find a garden designer who would understand the concept and he tells how the Duchess fought intense criticism from the national press. August captures the dramas and dilemmas of what at times seemed like an insurmountable battle.

The Gaden is a magical space that comprises many different areas. Before-and-after images reveal the impressive Cascade, the largest tree house in the world, the Home Office-approved Poison Garden, the Bamboo Labyrinth and the Ornamental and Rose Gardens. The Garden features the latest technologies, including huge interactive water fountains, and interweaves them with age-old traditions.

More than half a million visitors come to The Alnwick Garden every year, defying all the critics and proving that the ultimate victory went to the people of the North-East. The story of The Garden’s creation is a breathtaking history of courage and determination, interwoven with the powerful and memorable character who undertook this remarkable feat.

£25.00