A Very Victorian Fantasy
The two contrasting halves of this garden’s design draw inspiration from the arts and literary heritage of Victorian Bournemouth’s most famous residents. The sub-tropical theme of the dark side of the design reflects the Gothic works of Mary Shelley and Robert Louis Stevenson, while the drift-like planting of the lighter side brings to mind the Art Nouveau works of Aubrey Beardsley.
Both halves feature willow sculptures by Stefan Jennings, with a series of fairies and demons watching over their respective sides of the garden. The two halves of the garden come together at local artist Andy Kirkby’s Frankenstein-inspired central sculpture, which has been carved from Carrera marble with patinated bronze wings.
Full list of supporters
The Landscape Group, Mouchel, GR Westbuild, CED Ltd and Kinley Systems Ltd, Kings Park Nursery, and volunteers from Bournemouth in Bloom, Friends of Lower Gardens Rockery, Friends of Boscombe Chine Gardens, various local councillors, Kings Park Nursery volunteers, Social Services Volunteers, Housing Landlord services residents volunteers, Avonbourne school and other members of the public.