| |
About The Garden
The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland is one of the most exciting contemporary gardens to be developed in the last century, a magical landscape created from a unique idea.
The Duchess of Northumberland's vision was to create a beautiful public space accessible to everyone; a garden for contemplation, fun, inspiration and education. The Alnwick Garden was officially opened in October 2002 by its patron HRH The Prince of Wales, as the first phase of development was complete. The Garden is now halfway to completion and features spectacular water displays, wonderful gardens and one of the largest tree houses in the world.
The world renowned Belgian designer Jacques Wirtz and his son Peter were chosen to create The Garden, interpreting the Duchess's vision for the 12-acre walled site which was a forgotten and derelict plot before The Alnwick Garden project began work in 2000. Wirtz International's design has transformed it into an exciting scene, dancing with water and ringing with the sounds of life. The Garden is a sequence of busy and quiet spaces, with the gentle and introspective Rose Garden feeling far remote from the children playing in the water jets of the Grand Cascade. An important element of the Wirtz design is the strong green structure which unifies The Garden's diverse themes, visible in the in the beech hedges, clipped hornbeams and yew. In winter, this structure is evident and visitors are able to see the bones of The Garden, while in summer it provides the backdrop for exuberant flower displays.
Sir Michael Hopkins, recognised as a leading international architect, has designed The Garden's Pavilion and Visitor Centre which will open in 2006. These stunning contemporary buildings will house excellent visitor facilities for eating, shopping, learning and relaxing, and places to find out more about other things to do in the region.
However The Garden is more than a garden, and in a relatively short space of time has become recognised not only for gardening excellence but also as a transformational project using its resources to provide real, measurable benefit for people. The vision is being taken forward by The Alnwick Garden Trust who continue to fundraise to complete The Garden by 2008. The Garden is contributing to the regeneration of a rural community as tourism takes on a new level of importance, and as well as being a meeting place for local people provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to experience the arts, enjoy learning new skills and get outdoors for activity or relaxation, and for families to play together.
All surplus revenue is channeled back into the project, helping The Trust go from vision to reality.
|
|
|
|
About The Garden
In this section you'll find.
Garden and Site History
Garden Features
In Bloom This Month
Working For The Garden
The Alnwick Garden Trust
|
|
