June Ashburner's "Mythic Garden" near Chagford receives new sculptures for 2014

At Stone Lane Gardens near Sandy Park, Chagford, Kenneth and June Ashburner have created and maintained a haven of inspired and fascinating sculpture in her extensive grounds. The landscaping itself is a loving sculpture, and the perfect setting for works by many local artists.

Beautiful stands of birch, of many different species, frame a seemingly endless variety of sculptures. Aquatic, ceramic, metallic, organic. In every corner is another exciting exhibit to discover. The birch tree was Kenneth Ashburner's particular academic interest, and the tree that bears his name, Betula Ashburneri, stands at the top of the garden.

Now that spring is here the gardens are beginning to burst forth with new life, and sculptors from all over Devon, and beyond, are arriving in vans and trucks to deliver their new works. Many sculptures remain from previous years, blending seamlessly into their surroundings.

This Wednesday, as the sun broke tentatively through the rain-washed birch leaves, Budleigh artist Imogen Hallam arrived to replace her sculpture display. 

At the entrance to the gardens
an entrancing miniature
by Tati Dennehy

A last look at last year's sculpture:
"Leaf" by Imogen Hallam
is moving to Hampshire

to be replace by Imogen's "Dragon"

More miniatures by Tati Dennehy - enchanting

very sensual

and detailed

IN LOVING MEMORY
Mild steel poppies created by Katie Lake
who tragically was drowned while swimming
at Seaton in Cornwall in August last year

Illusion

Complexity

Delicacy

Organic Forms

Beautiful wood

worked in many ways

Welcome to a hidden world