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Haywood Landscapes
The Labyrinth Garden
Designer: Andrew Wiggins (Haywood Landscapes)
Sponsors: Natural Paving Products (UK) Ltd, Eastwell Ironworks
Contractor: Haywood Landscapes
Click on the images to view a hi-res version
The Labyrinth Garden offers a peaceful environment for seeking calm and inner balance, a sacred space that many would benefit from in an increasingly troubled and frantic world. The ancient labyrinth form is represented in sandstone paviors which can be used as a tool for a walking meditation – the walker’s focus turning inwards with each turn until at the ‘goal’ they are centred and may find calm, inspiration or healing according to their needs. A secluded seat provides a place for quiet reflection or to practise more conventional mediation.
The restrained planting scheme creates a restful atmosphere while providing interest through the contrasting forms and foliage of a restricted range of plants. The central sculpture is inspired by ‘Ariadne’s Thread’ of Greek mythology, after the ball of thread Ariadne gave to Theseus to enable him to retrace his steps and escape the labyrinth.
Loosely trimmed hedging provides substance and enclosure. Lonicera nitida ‘Maigrun’ is used while six multi-stem Prunus serrula trees provide a soft open canopy around the garden providing shelter and adding to the sense of security and enclosure. The tactile polished red-brown stems are a striking feature of the trees. Grasses (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’, Carex testacea, Pennisetum alopecuroides and Anemanthele lessoniana) add lightness and movement to the composition.
Andrew Wiggins and his brother, Robert, have built-up a successful garden design and build company. A chance discovery four years ago of an old book on labyrinths in a local library led to the brothers developing a specialism in designing and building labyrinths and mazes. Haywood Landscapes are previous gold award winners at two regional shows in Kent.