Sculpture by the Lakes

Visiting Sculpture by the Lakes for a Rare Plant Fair recently, I was very impressed with the place. It's a bit of a journey from Swindon, but I was staying overnight with Pam who has recently moved down to Chickerell, on the outskirts of Weymouth, which made it a very pleasant outing.
The sculpture in the landscape is by Simon Gudgeon and the gardens are designed and maintained by his wife Monique. Looking up Monique Gudgeon, I can see 2 relatively recent blog posts, and an older post from Dorset Magazine about incorporating art in the garden with some great tips.
Here we are sitting in front of the fruit sculpture, not only is it my favourite photo of the day, but the sculpture is wonderful.

Here's a general view of the plant fair

 And here are some of Simon Gudgeon's sculptures, perfectly placed to allow some fantastic views of them.

 This sculpture is wonderfully sited beside the lake, somehow got the light all wrong, I've included it because Pam is standing in front of it

 Fabulous head in the bushes

 The hens are a delight, kept in shady conditions which they will probably be appreciating in this heatwave.

 This is a photo of a beautifully managed P ardens. I have just bought one from Tortworth Plants at the Highnam Court RPF, I think mine might be initially well behaved, and maybe that's the secret to getting a good shape from them, keep buying young ones.

 The vegetable garden was very impressively organised.

 and here's an example of the herbaceous planting

 These dancing cranes amidst cloud pruned privet mounds were fabulous

Around the lakes there are lots of paths, lined with plants like this Acer and also sculptures

 Here's another sculpture I liked

 this bird in its own structure is stunning

 Rather a long way away, 2 swans on a lake, if you click on this blog written recently by Alan Down you can see a fabulous photograph of the 2 swans. How did he get so near?

 We sat for a while in this lakeside sitting area, it was very tranquil and calming, so I thought i'd atke a photo from the other side.

Perfect place for a day out, but because of the large expanses of water, under 14s are not allowed.