Turkish garden designer Nilufer Danis has ingeniously transported the essence of Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage to the royal grounds of King Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace. In her captivating garden, aptly named “The Way of St James,” Danis celebrates the rich culture and natural beauty of Galicia, Spain. Let’s explore this enchanting creation in five engaging paragraphs:
- The Camino Reimagined Nilufer Danis, an award-winning designer, has defied convention by recreating the centuries-old Camino de Santiago pilgrimage within the palace grounds. Despite King Henry VIII’s anti-Catholic reputation, the garden thrives as a star attraction at the annual Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival—a playful counterpart to the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. Here, innovation and cutting-edge design take center stage.
- The Way of St James Drawing inspiration from the life of St James and the pilgrims’ journey to Santiago de Compostela, Danis weaves magic into her creation. The garden pays homage to Galicia, a region in Spain known for its rich heritage and spiritual significance. At its heart stands a statue—a smiling woman symbolizing St James’ enduring spirit. Pilgrims completing the arduous 35-day walk across Galicia experience a spiritual rapture here.
- Serenity Amidst Verdant Woodland Euronews Culture caught up with Danis ahead of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Hampton Court Palace Flower Festival. She explained that the statue represents joy, happiness, and spiritual relief for pilgrims. Surrounded by lush woodland plants, it exudes serenity, inviting visitors to pause and find peace amidst nature’s embrace.
- Romantic Galician Influences Metal arches adorned with scented jasmine climbers and gravel paths evoke the romantic essence of traditional Galician gardens. Notably, the 10-meter square space features granite paving stones—a deliberate nod to the very flagstones pilgrims have trodden for centuries in Santiago’s old town.
- Mythical Forests and Calming Rivers Danis’ woodland garden transports visitors to mythical forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene rivers—the same landscapes encountered by pilgrims on their journey from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago. A traditional Galician bagpiper from the region’s Royal Band of Pipers adds an authentic touch, welcoming festival-goers with music from Galicia.
As a testament to environmental responsibility, the garden’s trees and plants will find new life after the festival, benefiting a local care home that provides nursing and dementia support.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Londonist
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