DURING last weekend’s Ross Open Gardens, some 23 stunning and diverse gardens were open to the public with many displaying an array of sculptures.

From tiny gardens, secret areas with bonsai trees to larger expanses of land at the Tudorville Allotments to the unexpected tranquil courtyards with hidden delights, to vibrant social and therapeutic spaces at Ross Community Gardens many had exhibits from Arts in the Marches, an organisation which is run by Frances Warren who works with local sculptors and artists.

The majority of the artwork was displayed around Wendy Hunter and Andrew Leeman’s delightful wildlife garden. The intention was to show a range of art, at different prices, with the emphasis on affordable.

This year the artworks provided by Arts in the Marches included Rosie Callinan, a garden mosaic artist who uses natural materials that she has found which would otherwise go to waste.

Also exhibiting was Craig Coch who mostly works with wood, both carving and turning, and has recently ventured into stone carving.

Peter King, an artistic blacksmith who recently exhibited at the Malvern Show, kindly brought some of his smaller items to the garden.

Angela Palmer displayed some of her stunning bronze resin models while Gabriel Parfitt showed two of his mesmerising birds and animals made from recycled and scrap materials.

Exhibition organiser, sculptor and glass artist, Frances showed her own work made using fused glass, steel, stone and other materials and said: “We would like to thank the many visitors who purchased items over the weekend, all commission from sales going to support St Mary’s Church to become a universal community facility.

If you missed this event, Arts in the Marches are collaborating with Canwood Gallery, Checkley, HR1 4NF on an Affordable Art for the Garden & Home exhibition from July 31.

● Turn to page 14 for the Gazette’s picture special from Ross Open Gardens weekend.