34
FEEL THE BURN
Charred wood has been gaining popularity as a material
for cladding and decking, as well as garden boundaries
and features. Based onyakisugi, a Japanese technique
of preserving wood through burning the surface, it is
more fire-resistant and insect-proof than many other
varieties. Karl Harrison adapted the practice here in the
UK, mass-producing what is created by hand in Japan.
He’s coined the term ‘Shou Sugi Ban’ for the products
his company produces in many finishes and textures
from a variety of woods such as larch and oak.
shousugiban.co.uk.33
Write on
This year’s Garden Museum Literary Festival will celebrate the
best in garden writing at the new venue of Houghton Hall & Gardens
in Norfolk. On 21-22 June, visitors can enjoy talks by top garden designers
including Arne Maynard, Tom Stuart-Smith, Sir Roy Strong and naturalist
Richard Mabey. Houghton Hall was built in the 1720s for Britain’s first Prime Minister,
Sir Robert Walpole. Its lauded grounds include an award-winning five-acre walled garden
and an exceptional sculpture collection. Tickets from £110,gardenmuseum.org.uk.