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Sunday, June 17, 2012

Garden of Cosmic Speculation


Don't you just love the name of this garden?  This is definitely a one-of-a-kind garden.  I've never seen anything else like it in all of my travels.  The Garden of Cosmic Speculation is located in Dumfries, Scotland.  It covers thirty acres and was built in 1989 by Charles Jencks, an internationally acclaimed architectural critic and designer.  The garden is actually his own private garden.  It is open to the public only once a year (usually in May).  If you want to see this place, you'll have to do a little planning (and get there really early when it does open, because the traffic jams are ridiculous).



The garden was designed to provide thought (speculation) about the nature of things.  It was inspired by science and mathematics, with themes like Black Holes, Fractals, and DNA helixes.
Plants are not the big feature here.  There are a couple of man made dragon lakes. Mostly what you'll see are a lot of steel structures and symmetry.  The garden begins at the base of steps leading down from the original eighteenth century manor house.  You'll see a Sense of Touch garden, where a metal hand waves back and forth, beckoning visitors to come check it out.  You'll see a steel DNA helix and a Heaven-Hell primeval wilderness garden with a beautiful red arched bridge

 The snail mound allows you to explore the Fibonacci Sequence of numbers that make up the shell.



It would be nice if this place was opened to the public year-round.  The only reason we get to see it, is because it serves as a fundraiser for the cancer charity, Maggie's Centers, named after Mister Jenck's late wife.  If you ever get the opportunity, be sure to visit.  It's really a neat place!



22 comments:

  1. Hi Sherry,

    Thanks for sharing these lovely photos! Looks awesome!

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    1. It's a greaet place. If you happen to be in Scotland on the right day, I highly suggest visiting it.

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  2. You're right. It is a very cool garden, but a bit far for those of us in the US of A. I love the unique patterns and sculptures. Thanks for the visit.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

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    1. I know a lot of people will never get to see these gardens. That's why I share them. Glad you liked the pictures.

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  3. wow amazing mixture--art and science--

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    1. I find this garden very clever and intriguing.

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  4. that place looks SO cool. wow - I love stuff like that. I'd want to walk around and touch the sculptures. Very neat discovery

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    1. I've heard that there is a project going on to replicate this garden so that it can be viewed year-round. It would be nice if more people could see it.

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  5. Be cool to have something like that in the States!

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    1. Yes, I agree. There is a project underway to replicate the garden so that it can be viewed by the public on a daily basis. Perhaps this replication can make its way to the United States.

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  6. Amazing! I'm happy to know that areas on the planet are covered this way. I see why he is acclaimed.

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    1. He is obviously a very creative and intelligent man.

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  7. amazing! so many optical illusions

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  8. I would love to transform my yard into a beautiful garden. These are amazing!

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    1. It takes a lot of work, but it's so nice to enjoy if afterwards. Maybe some of these gardens will inspire you and give you ideas.

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  9. Lovely! Normally I'm not a huge fan of modern sculptures, but this is simply beautiful.

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    1. I would have to agree with you. I was just fascinated by how it was all based on science. Maybe that's what made the difference.

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  10. Place looks awesome. I had the pleasure of visiting Scotland a long time ago but if I ever go back this is definitely something I'd like to see.

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    1. If you ever go back, I hope you get to see it.

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  11. I really love this one! Scotland is on my list!

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