Exploring Autumn Serenity

Serenity, a state of being calm, peaceful and untroubled. We need to be still to reflect on our lives and this is what autumn shows us, the beauty in being still and letting go.  

Within the gardens the leaves turn into a myriad of autumn colours which create incredible reflections in the lakes and breathtaking views throughout the gardens. With hundreds of varieties of trees can be found at Leonardslee, it is not only their leaves which catch the eye. Their bark looks stunning during this season, contrasted against the backdrop of ever changing colours.  

Visitors can explore the grounds whilst experiencing the changing of the season and reconnect with nature and the people around us. Something that has become so increasingly important. Spend your time in the gardens reflecting on the important things that have happened in your life and watch the beauty in change.  

Reflection

As the leaves start to fall to the ground, we can see how nature's cycle is so similar to our own lives. Autumn is the season for letting go of the things that are burdening us. The season shows us that we need to get out of our own way to allow something beautiful to grow.  

Reflecting on our lives is not easy for us and for nature, our gardens go through harsh cold weather to be able to grow again. Reminding us that we need to live life to our fullest. While watching wildlife and birds within the gardens as they prepare for the future it acts as a reminders to do the same.  

How have the sculptures changed the gardens:

Anton Smit’s lifes works, found throughout the gardens have been hand placed to capture the beauty and serenity of art coinciding with nature. With the back drop of the changing seasons these sculptures draw on the emotion within ourselves, each sculpture bringing its own meaning.

Reflect:

Perfectly placed alongside new pond, in harmony with the lakes and gardens. The perfect spot to sit, pause and reflect.  

We have the picture of you in mind, when you were young, posturing (for a photographer) in scarves (if you could have done it). But now, for none of you is immortal, ninety three, the three, ninety and three, 
Mary, Ellen and Emily, what beauty is it clings still about you? 
Undying? Magical? For there is still no answer, why we live or why you will not live longer than I or that there be an answer why any should live and whatever other should die. Yet you live. You live and all that can be said is that you live, time cannot alter it – and as I write this Mary has died. 

 
– William Carlos Williams, The Three Graces 

Stream of Consciousness:

Opposite Leonardslee House, bringing our conscious minds to the future and what has been achieved. Now home to not only Michelin starred Restaurant Interlude but Afternoon Tea and 10 new boutique rooms.  

We the intelligence – 
They the spheres – 
Like gold to airy thinness beat 
they endure the breach – 
the expansion… 
we like dissolved statues lie. 

 
– Anton Smit 

Penny speed:

At our centre, forming part of ladies of the lake. A nod to the owner, Anton’s depiction to her dynamic and successful career.   

A sacrifice to speed. Delicately constructed out of the ruins of time. 

The fine tissue of beautiful sorrow – Immortal – It’s mad with its own loveliness. 

Hybrid, hesitant. Entangled in the self. Living creature lying mortal, guilty – but entirely beautiful. 

– Anon