With Autumn showing signs of arrival, we can’t help but notice the changes all around us, especially in our gardens which are so full of colours, shapes and textures. Beautiful summer blossoms have dropped and the luscious green leaves are gradually turning to burnt umbers and yellow ochres. This is a magical change for many to witness but for some, it can bring a feeling of unease, especially during late fall and early winter.
Whether the season is changing or not, our lives can feel quite full at times so it’s important to find five minutes of peace, especially in nature. We work with Silent Space, who create opportunities for silent reflection in some of their favourite green places, including Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens.
Silent Space, which has charitable status, was set up in 2016 as a not-for-profit organisation by garden writer Liz Ware. Gardens began to take part, reserving areas where visitors were invited to sit silent and switch off for a few hours each week without technology or talking. This was met with very positive feedback; ‘It’s wonderful to have permission to be silent’ said one visitor.
There are many benefits to spending quiet time in green places, including reducing stress, improving mood and physical health whilst overall helping you feel more connected to nature. Research shows that noise pollution causes damage to our bodies and our minds so it’s no wonder spending time in nature is so restorative.
Being silent in the natural world is a particular kind of silence that includes birdsong and the sounds of the breeze in the trees; by truly taking a moment to observe and listen to it, we grow to know and value the world we live in as well as ourselves.
“As we connect with nature, we also connect more deeply with ourselves. It’s in the quiet times that inspiration comes” – Silent Space
Within the gardens at Tremenheere, you’ll find two Silent Spaces. The James Turrell Skyspace at the top of the garden is a wonderful place to spend some quiet time. Within the white space, visitors can gaze up to the sky through the elliptical opening and watch the clouds drift or a bird glide silently over, in a way never seen before.
The Darren Hawkes Chelsea Garden, made of a series of slate platforms overlooks the pond full of lilies and dragonflies dancing above the water. The magnificent willow catches the sunlight and moves gently with the wind as time slips peacefully by.
Come and spend some quiet time in nature with yourself and observe how beautiful the changing of the season can be… perhaps you’ll see things from a new perspective or gain creative ideas.
The specific Silent Space times are 10.30-11:15am at the Chelsea Garden and 1-1.45pm at the Skyspace. The gardens are open daily, 10.30 – 5.30, last entry 4.30 until we close for our annual winter break on 6th November.
You can read more about Silent Space and their work with us here.