SCULPTURE TRAIL
Found within the Woodland Walk the sculptures along this trail came from an idea suggested by local school children. The route of the walk is marked on the map of the Swiss Garden in PDF format.
All are carved from wood extracted from the garden during restoration. The seven sculptures are:
- Old tree/New tree
- Peacock seat
- Ship
- Thatched Cottage
- Four Seasons
- Fern Fronds
- Wheelbarrow
Pick up a copy of our sculpture trail and find all seven of these finely carved wooden sculptures.
OLD TREE/NEW TREE
This sculpture shows how trees and woodland can change from dead
and decaying wood (which supports invertebrates) to new growth that
will support a number of animals and birds in its foliage.
PEACOCK SEAT
This seat represents an animal that is best known for its amazing eye
spotted tail feathers or plumage. When it displays the peacock will
stand its tail feathers up to form a fan. This is to attract female, male peacocks love attention!
It is also believed that fanning the tail can be a response to feeling threatened, the peacock makes itself look as big as possible.
THE SHIP
Carved to represent both the Ongley period and that of the Shuttleworth Family. The Ongley family made their money through trading goods via ship, and Frank Shuttleworth’s nautical interest is well documented. A model ship that he owned is on display in Shuttleworth House.
The boathouse that is visible from this viewpoint was once used by the family. It stands on the edge of Serpentine Lake.
THATCHED COTTAGE
There are a number of thatched cottages in Old Warden village, formerly owned by Lord Ongley III. He sold the village with Old Warden Park and estate to Joseph Shuttleworth in 1872.
Thatching is the craft of building a roof with dried vegetation that is densely packed trapping air, which provides insulation. This sculpture depicts a cottage on one side and is a seat on the other.
FOUR SEASONS
This sculpture represents the four seasons of the year, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. It has two birds and a mammal within it.
Enjoy the view over Serpentine Lake across to the old Boat House from this vantage point.
FERN FRONDS
This incredible sculpture symbolises a fern, and is nestled within the Woodland walk between the Ship and the Serpentine lake.
Ferns reproduce via spores (brown specks seen underneath the leaves)
and have neither seeds nor flowers. Some ferns can be used for food,
medicines, or as ornamental plants. Ferns can live in a wide variety of
locations and their leaves are called fronds.
WHEELBARROW
This sculpture was designed by schoolchildren to recognise the value of
our volunteers, without whom the Swiss Garden would be hard to maintain to look its very best.
This sculpture is located in the picnic area, on the edge of the Shrubbery Walk.
♦ browse the Swiss Garden ♦
LOWER POND
Just outside the entrance to the Swiss Garden, look out for fish in this small body of water.
MIDDLE POND
DOG CEMETERY
Burial place of Dorothy Shuttleworth’s beloved Japanese Chin dogs.
POND CASCADE BRIDGE
Clayton & Shuttleworth manufactured bridge c1870s, and with a Pulhamite cascade.
PENINSULA ISLAND
The plinth once boasted a prominent statue depicting Lord Ongley in empirical costume!
PUNT HARBOUR
THE AVIARY (RUIN)
Once home to exotic feathered fowl, and terminating one of the key view-lines from the Swiss Cottage.
EAGLE REDOUBT
A raised vantage point for viewing the garden, complete with a terracotta eagle.
ROCK GARDEN
A later Pulhamite addition (early 1900’s) to the garden, showcasing alpine plants and bulbs. It always looks particularly lovely in Spring.
THE BROADWALK
With impressive ironwork rose bowers, the ‘Night & Morning’ Vase, and two lion statues.
SWISS COTTAGE
The ‘heart’ and focal point of the garden. Views to and from the Swiss Cottage are key to the garden’s design.
PRIVY
A two-seated privy, but only one side in use at a time. An early example of a green loo!
THE FORGOTTEN ONE
A popular poem by Letitia Langdon, edited by Lord Ongley for the Swiss Garden.
TREE SEAT
Generously donated by Friends of Swiss Garden.
WOODLAND GATE & SCREEN
This marks the original entrance to the Swiss Garden as used by both the Ongley and Shuttleworth
families.
QUARRY GARDEN
With Istrian marble well-head dating from the 1900s.
CHAPEL
Delightful little building, highly reminiscent of a roadside shrine.
THE TERRACE
Popular with wedding photographers, it offers grand views of the Dolphin Tazza and undulating lawns leading to the Swiss Cottage.
DOLPHIN JARDINIÈRE & TAZZA
Manufactured and perfected by sculptor Felix Austin. It has an artificial ‘pudding stone’ finish.
CEDAR OF LEBANON
The tallest and oldest tree in the Swiss Garden, at around 250 years old. It is listed in the Champion Trees register and is a key focal point.
GROTTO & FERNERY
The amazing cave-like interior is formed from Pulhamite, added by the Shuttleworth family to house
their collection of ferns.
EAST LAWN
Find the colourful Acer tree here, the Rose Seat, and sun loungers during the warmer months of the year.
INDIAN KIOSK
The Indian Kiosk has a beautiful glass embossed rear panel and an interesting ‘room’ beneath it. It dates from c1830.
NORTH BRIDGE
Cato & Sons manufactured the North Bridge. It is quite steep, but this makes it an ideal spot for wedding photographers to capture romantic images!
MOAT BRIDGE
Also by Cato & Sons, manufactured in wrought and cast iron, it leads onto Middle Island with views of the Indian Kiosk.
GARDENERS’ COTTAGE
Joseph Shuttleworth re-roofed and extended this humble cottage in the 1870’s.
THE UNDERPASS
Built in the 1820s, this was pivotal to Lord Ongley’s vision for a ‘picturesque’, magical, hidden wonderland.
SERPENTINE LAKE
WOODLAND WALK
SCULPTURE TRAIL
PICNIC AREA
PEACOCKS
GARDEN ROOM
About the garden room
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