Gardens are wonderful and Scotland is rich in both public and private
gardens which offer locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy
access. Particularly in our cities these gardens and parks give much
needed breathing space and opportunity to enjoy nature's year long
spectacle. This weekend (21 & 22 June 2003) sees a special preview, open
to all, of another such space, The Hidden Gardens in Glasgow, which is
Scotland's first permanent garden dedicated to peace. Three years in
development, delivered within budget, supported by thirty different
organisations, the new garden is situated to the rear of the Tramway,
Albert Drive, Glasgow and when fully open, from Tuesday 24 June 2003
(until September) from 10am to 8pm, can be entered through the Tramway or
by a side entrance on Pollokshields Road.
The Hidden Gardens will be open for the special preview from 12 noon to
6pm on both weekend days, with a Ceremony of Light on Saturday evening
from 9.30pm to 1am. Visitors are welcome to come and dedicate a blessing,
wish or thought to celebrate the start of the garden's life. There will be
a host of live outdoor music including the return of the legendary Tibetan
Singing Bowl Orchestra whose hypnotic sounds were a highlight of the nva
organisation millennium production 'The Path', in Glen Lyon. The occasion
is also marked by the appearance of the virtuoso harpist Savourna
Stevenson, one of Scotland's most successful and internationally acclaimed
musicians.
The Hidden Gardens is a visionary new landmark, conceived by the Glasgow
based nva organisation following an invitation from the Tramway to explore
the derelict area behind their building. With further support from the
Tramway in the development of the concept and through a highly successful
collaboration with artists, landscape architects and designers, nva has
created a visionary new landmark. The unique and stunning public space is
a major £1.5 million environmental resource for both the citizens of
Glasgow and visitors to the city, providing respite from urban pressures
among beautiful planting and intriguing permanent artworks.
This weekend's entrance to The Hidden Gardens preview will be through the
Tramway and further information of the various events are available by
phoning 0845 330 3501 or visiting
www.nva.org.uk
The recent good weather allied to garden visits and other summer
activities inspire the thoughts of picnics to which this week's recipe
Apple Coleslaw should prove a novel accompaniment.
Apple Coleslaw
Ingredients : 12 oz (350 g) white cabbage; 2 dessert apples; 3 tablespoons
lemon juice; 2 carrots; 5 oz (150 g) thick bottled mayonnaise; salt and
freshly ground black pepper
Shred the cabbage finely with a sharp knife, discarding the central core.
Put the shredded cabbage into a large bowl. Coarsely grate the apples
without peeling them. Sprinkle the grated apples with 2 tablespoons of the
lemon juice in order to prevent the flesh from discolouring. Scrape the
carrots, then grate coarsely. Add the apple and carrots to the cabbage and
toss well. Mix the mayonnaise with the remaining lemon juice and salt and
pepper to taste. Add to the cabbage mixture, toss thoroughly to combine
them then transfer to a dish. Serves 4 and takes around 15 minutes to
prepare.
