On occasions we had completed tasks for Fred in our village. So when he had begun work on a spiritual garden he wanted to build (he is a retired clergyman) he called us in to assist, initially just to build some hard standing for a summer house and then to build the summerhouse.
It was during these discussions that we began to talk about what else might be needed. He’d already installed a pond, but his health had begun to limit his abilities, and together we formed the plans of what would be best installed.
The garden is in a very peaceful location, trees surrounded much of the space and through horses could be seen grazing so we didn’t want to loose that, there was another outhouse that needed a visual overhaul and the paving to the front replacing. The entrance to site was going to be relocated and some terracing was needed too because the site was on a slope. We also needed to allow for an electric cable to be securely protected to run the ponds pump. An area for socialising or holding workshops was to be cleared and re turfed.
We used sleepers to demarcate the beds around the pond, shield the electric cable and terrace the site. The main area was then weed blocked and shingled, the summerhouse installed and preserved. The new entrance was made ready for new visitors and Fred oversaw the planting.
As you can see there is a wonderful harmony to the whole site, which is carefully overlooked by Buddha.
Fred wants the whole place to be a drop in centre for anyone of any denomination to come and find a little peace or meditate as they may choose to do. The whole place fitted in perfectly with the whole ethos that is simple life.
It was also a great privilege to be asked by Fred to come and speak at the opening of the garden which he held on a chilly August Day…
If you would like us to design you your own retreat, please take a look at our garden design page.
