Sculpture Garden, Dorset

Nestled in the Dorset countryside, this large 26-acre property was bought by sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his wife, Monique, in 2007. The derelict fishery, dotted with lakes and ponds was an ideal location to exhibit Simon's large sculptures, his beautiful bronze pieces reflecting in the water. Closer to the house, Monique decided to create a garden inspired by 'Karikomi', the Japanese art of 'cloud-pruning' with the help of Jake Hobson. The curves of clipped evergreen such as Lonicera nitida and Phillyrea latifolia echo the shapes of Simon's sculptures which are installed around the garden. This strong sense of form has been emphasised by the addition of a winding 'wave' of Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'. In the middle of winter, these are still providing plenty of interest, their bottlebrush-like flowers delicately covered in frost. Further along, a tunnel of living willow opens up towards the wilder parts of the garden.