Carve the runes,
Then be content with silence
George McKay Brown*
Sir Roy Strong once said that Little Sparta was" the most important new garden in Britain since 1945"
It was the brainchild of the artist and poet Ian Hamilton Findlay and his wife. It was begun in 1966. Little Sparta is run by a trust after Ian Hamilton Finlay's death in 2006. Find out more about the Trust and garden here.
The garden is situated at Dunsyre in the Pentland Hills just outside Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is also known as the "Athens of the North". The name of the garden "Little Sparta" came from the response to this and the rivalry between Athens and Sparta.
It had always been on my "gardens to visit" wish list but it is a bit in the middle of nowhere. Making that special effort to get there makes it all the more worthwhile and the chances of it being stowed out with visitors is slim. A word of warning it is quite a long walk from the car park and stout footwear is required. In other words leave the stilettos at home, girls!
We visited on a wet autumn day. This didn't detract from the experience at all. It's a lush green space and full of atmosphere. Perhaps even more so on a dreich dank day.
The sculpture makes this garden. As do the words of wit and wisdom. Some of the lettering is not so clear on the photos so in these cases I've transcribed it.
The garden opens up to views of the surrounding Pentland Hills.
IS THE DISORDER
OF THE FUTURE
SAINT-JUST
Ian Hamilton Finlay was talking about natural birch trees and not corporal punishment.
WILLOW- SWEPT
WIND-SCUFFED
GRASS-GIRT
CLOUD-CURVED
"He even transplanted well grown limes in rows and pear trees when they were hardened and thorns bearing sloes and a plane tree already giving shade to those who came to drink."
Aren't you impressed by my translation after only two years of latin at school?
* George MacKay Brown. Orkney poet and writer. These words are carved on his gravestone by Orkney Sculptor and friend Frances Pelly
How very fascinating. I think I'd like it there.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that garden, I'm very intreged - how lovely, how many bits of prose (art) were there in that gorgeous place?
ReplyDeleteNoted garden and whereabouts, note to self, forget heels, janets recommendation. :)
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That makes me want to learn how to carve stone. Love the "Man" headstone, reminds me of the Kirt Vonnegut headstone, "Someone, somewhere, somewhen. He tried." Wonderful foliage combinations, looks like a really magical place.
ReplyDeleteStunning Stunning garden, always mean to visit, but never do. Now I know why it is called Little Sparta. Crocosmia.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, Little Sparta is just over the hill from me - next time you are going, let me know and I'll drag out my wellies and come round with you. As you can imagine, I H F caused a lot of gossip in and around the Dunsyre area in 1966. The farming folk approved of neither his lifestyle nor his character. He was seen as a mad Edinburgh wastrel who lived off his wife....a typical Scottish reaction to anyone a little but out of the ordinary. I'm in two minds about Little Sparta myself. I see the cleverness, but it does nothing for me emotionally. Just don't appreciate the neo-classical, perhaps?
ReplyDeleteEsther, I find it a very peaceful place.
ReplyDeleteI've no idea how many bits of prose there are. I was given a book about it and It seems that I went round with my eyes shut half the time.
Janet, our friend Frances is a stone carver and it is hard work! love the KV quote!
crocosmia, we'll have to go next year.
Kininvie, I'll hold you to that. a group outing... Thanks for the background info, I could imagine that IHF was a bit frowned upon! P and I thought that without the art it's a much more ordinary space.
I've read so much about the garden, it's great to be able to see it through the eyes of someone without a book to publish! Being a carver (of wood) I can really appreciate the sculptures and the lettering, but without the sculpture, would the garden be worthy of a visit, I wonder? Thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeletePauline, I love sculpture and that is what draws me to IHF's garden. It is in a beautiful setting and has an air of tranquility but without a doubt it is the sculpture that makes it special.
ReplyDeleteI love the art. I think it's hard to put so much in a garden. But this seems to have been incorporated into the garden setting very well. Thanks for the tour!
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed that visit! That stone building is just awesome!!! My kind of place.
ReplyDeleteSo wonderfully green. The view of the hills is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed having a peek into Little Sparta.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very beautiful and natural garden. I like so many aspects of this garden, but, in particular, I like the walkway with the branch arbors...beautiful! Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely wonderful Janet. I have long wanted to visit Little Sparta, go to Edninburgh once or twice a year but either choose the wrong day, don't have a car, run out of time or all three. THAnkyou for this excellent virtual tour.
ReplyDeleteIt looks fascinating - I like the winding path through the arches. Gardens and sculpture are a great mix!
ReplyDeleteGlad you all enjoyed the tour. Catherine, I'm sure you will get there. It's a garden that does take a bit more effort to get to but well worth it!
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