Celebrating Ian Hamilton Finlay: the Little Sparta Scottish Gardener, Artist, and Poet
"Finlay created a one-of-a-kind garden that incorporated sculptures, words, architecture, and poetry.
He named his garden Little Sparta, which he considered a living piece of art."
October 28, 1925
On this day, the Scottish poet, artist, and gardener Ian Hamilton Finlay was born.
Finlay created a one-of-a-kind garden that incorporated sculptures, words, architecture, and poetry. He named his garden Little Sparta, which he considered a living piece of art.
Finlay's poetry is incorporated into the art at Little Sparta.
One especially poignant piece is a one-word poem with a long title - a form of poetry Finlay pioneered.
In the garden, there is a small engraved stone that shares a one-word poem with a long title:
One Orange Arm
of the World's
Oldest WindmillAutumn
This post was featured onThe Daily Gardener podcast:
helping gardeners find their roots,
one story at a time
Ian Hamilton Finlay
Apollon Terroriste at Little Sparta
Autumn at Little Sparta
Flautist at Little Sparta
Huff Lane at Little Sparta
See Hear at Little Sparta
Related posts:
Celebrate Colorful Fall Favorites with Garden Designer and Writer Kelly Norris
Letting Go: Garden Writer Elizabeth Lawrence on the Death of her Father
Sweet Stories of French Botanical Artist Paul De Longpré as Gardener and Father
Jimsonweed or Jamestown Weed: A Plant of Peril Through the Ages
Remembering The Flower Girl: Jan Rose Kasmir, a Chrysanthemum, and the Vietnam War