I S L A N D S
UNREACHABLE VIEWS See the beauty from afar.
THE BOATHOUSE
Yorkshire Sculpture Park has two boathouses which were used to circulate around upper and lower Bretton Lake. Both have now been unused for some time now, with the Western one now sheltering JocJonJosch’s boat sculpture.
Lower Bretton Lake’s boathouse will be revived with the installment of the new boat trail. The idea is to give the public users a new way to experience the park where they can feel calm and relaxed whilst enjoying the scenery. This trail will be guided by one of the friendly staff within the park who will provide small entertainment to passengers whilst rowing them across the course. A boat can cater for up to four passengers - all age is welcome. Each person wanting to get on board must go through a health and safety procedure such as wearing a life jacket throughout the duration of the trip.
THE JOURNEY
BRETTON LAKE BOATHOUSE
START/FINISH HERE
GARDEN ISLAND MYSTERY ISLAND
Jaume Plensa: Wilsis
Henry Moore: Large Two Forms
David Nash: Black Mound
Try looking out for other great sculptures during your ride.
Mikayel Ohanjanyan: Diario
Henry Moore: Arch Leg
Journey begins.
The passenger is getting close to the island... but not close enough.
THE ISLANDS
ISLAND ONE
MYSTERY The first island to be encountered is placed in the centre of the lake. Upon inspecting closer, a small house can be seen, centred on within the trees. What’s inside it? Who knows? The tour guide will not approach the island and will simply let the passengers see it from afar. When Autumn approaches. the tree’s will deliver a beautiful amber and red hue to show the change in season.
Acer rubrum
Fagus sylvatica
Quercus robur
Larix decidua The islands are to be treated as an exhibition themselves, each with a different characteristic. This first island, size of 700m2, exaggerates the sense of mystery. Passengers looking at the small house will question it’s existence and their curiosity to explore the island will increase. The six tree species have been specifically chosen so that they really glow the Autumn colours when the season approaches. Management The island will have a docking space for when maintenance is required. Any unwanted plant species found growing should be removed once a year to maintain the characteristic of the island. All tree species generally require no pruning. Raking is required for when the Autumn show starts.
Liquidambar styraciflua
Acer palmatum
Autumn is when each tree shares their personality.
ISLAND TWO
GARDEN The second island is seen lower down the trail. Passengers are able to get much closer to this island. A single amelanchier tree grows on this island and is accompanied by a delicate planting mix beneath with a colour palette of white and purple. When Spring approaches, the petals of the Amelanchier lamarckii will grow and fall, scattering onto the lake. Perennials will show colour for the first time in the year.
Verbena bonariensis
Actaea simplex
Myrrhis odorata The size of this island is much smaller and measures around 260m2. The planting scheme represents a beautiful garden in modern day society. Plants chosen have soft and delicate characteristics and will provide a pleasant vista for both passengers and woodland trail users. Management Maintenance is needed around Spring and Autumn.
Thalictrum aquilegifolium
Achillea millefolium
Verbena and Myrrhis - Cut down in Spring as new ones emerge. Deadhead in Autumn. Most can be cut back if it gets untidy. Actaea and Thalictrum can be cut back after flowering.
Dryopteris filix-mas
Shade-loving species like the Dryopteris are planted closer to the tree trunk.
Carex oshimensis
Petals begin to dance away. Spring is here.
APPENDICES
INSPIRATION
Stourhead was the first garden that ignited the connection between islands and ‘unreachable views’. There they have an Oak tree on an island next to the Stourhead building which plays a big role in their annual Autumn shows.
Parc Jean-Jacques-Rousseau Tomb Designed by Rene de Girardin, this gardener signified the importance of Rousseau’s Tomb by isolating it on an island surrounded by tall poplars.
Boat rentals at Lake Louise, Canada, has proven to be a big hit. People are often seen following rowers with their lens to frame their photograph.
EARLY STAGE DEVELOPMENT
Inspired by Stourhead.
Original idea, more island.
Rowing through narrow spaces.
Sculpture within trees.
Amelanchier island, idea retained.
Inspiration during seminar.