Rebuild continues

The rebuild at Metal Peterborough is coming together nicely , it's been a bit challenging due to the size of the space to fill , a 50m2 show garden is going into a 150m2 plus size space add to this no digging down and needing to keep large open spaces for audiences and the parking of a couple of cars . Then to add to this a very minuscule amount of money left in the pot to see it through. 

I like a challenge though and we've come up with all sorts of solutions . The oil drums have been invaluable we are using them as foundations for the pavilion and as a base for the oil drum feature wall . The gas pipes we used for the pavilion supports are too long ( at the show they were fixed into the ground , now they sit on top , so the first job of the day was for my dad Owen to cut the bottom flanges off and reweld them back on at the desired height. Brian went off to collect the cement and post mix needed . Ruth , Mark , myself ,and dad got started on the roof frame , when Brian got back and helped with the finishing off. It was so good to finally have a structure in the garden , while dad and Mark carried on with the roof , Brian and I got to work on the oil drum feature wall , Sarah was busy painting the inside of drums ready for planting up with our beautiful plants . It's been a really productive day even Cam and Indi pitched in and helped . What better way to finish the day off than a visit to the spa with some friends ! Arh bliss

So much plasma cutting to do but so much fun !

Since the totally brilliant and awesome RHS Hampton show . I've been busy catching up with clients garden designs , re building the "A space to connect and grow" garden at Chauffeurs and plasma cutting the recycled drums for wall hung outside/ inside art , I've developed a way to hang them on the wall with a decorative fixing that is part of the drum ,

it works really well and looks good too. The orders are coming in now which is wonderful , I've got four to make at the moment and the art in the heart gallery want some more because the one I took in sold within the week ! They are currently selling for £195+ postage so if you would like one please email me at jenicairns@btinternet.com .

 Better get back out there and get busy. 

Rebuild is starting to come together

We have been busy over the past few weeks putting the " A space to connect and grow " garden back together but in a new way in a new location . What was a packed out and full 8m x6.5m show garden is being installed in a 11m x 30m walled out door space at metal in Peterborough . It's a beautiful out door space that has been used as a car park with bright green astro turf floor. The brief called for bringing nature into an urban space creatively with flexible planters , a stage , lots of recycled materials and creating spaces that can be used for entertaining , performing , eating , holding workshops and meetings not to forget growing fruit, vegetables and  herbs . Phew that's quite a brief . We have had some great help from our brilliant  volunteers - Gareth , Maddie , Jean , Liz as well as Sarah, Mark and Ruth from Metal and then Brian , Sophie ,and myself it's really starting to take shape although there's still plenty to do yet . The grand opening will be on the 5th, 6th  and 7th of September where there will be  a real mixture of activities , workshops and performances . 

Southwold

For years and years I've wanted to go to southwold well we finally made it on Monday (you should always get to do what you want on your birthday) we arrived at southwold pier it was quite cold and windy but I was transfixed by the amazing work of multi talented artist and engineer Tim Hunkin ( I bet he's got a plasma cutter) in my own work I have been experimenting with ways to use kinetic movement and light and sound . The trouble is there is so much to explore and try , I get totally carried away with ideas and there are only so many hours in the day. Any way Tim Hunkins under the pier show is totally brilliant , with gems such as "rent a dog ", "fly drive" and "is it art"  . It's all so brilliant and funny I wanted to spend more time and go on everything (well make Brian and the kids go on them mostly) . I would love to learn from him ! www.timhunkin.com www.underthepier.com

Southwold is so beautiful full of lovely seaside cottages and cute nooks and crannies I could stay for a week drawing and exploring I will definitely be back soon .