A garden chair sits in an unexpected position at Gwaith Powdwr, a post-industrial site turned nature reserve overlooking the Dwyryd estuary. It’s not your typical garden chair, since it’s weighed down by a local boulder and its mesh is interwoven with growth – plants that naturally thrive in this location. This includes plants which have escaped beyond the boundaries of gardens as invasive species. Over time and without intervention the boundary between sculpture and site becomes blurred, as it does between a garden and its surrounding wilder habitat.

This sculpture, created by Welsh artist Manon Awst, is one of two sculptures created for the Beyond the Boundary travelling exhibition. It explores the porous boundaries between gardens and wider landscapes. The piece ultimately aims to highlight the impact of invasive and potentially invasive plants that can escape beyond these boundaries. 

As with any work of art, it can be read by audiences in different ways. Some say it is rather unexpected, similar to the feeling of seeing invasive species pop up in places where they shouldn't. Others suggest the stone in the chair highlights the weight of responsibility on gardeners.

Installing the sculpture at Gwaith Powdwr wasn’t as simple as placing a chair in a field. We worked closely with the nature reserve officer to find a location that respected the sensitive ecosystems on the reserve. Timing was critical as we needed to ensure the sculpture was installed before basking reptiles emerged and before the foliage began to overtake the land in spring.

With the help of a local stonemason, we transported the boulder to the site. A hole was drilled into the stone and a metal rod was inserted so the stone could be anchored and secured in the ground. Due to the weight of the boulder we had to use a mini-digger to lift it safely into place — a process that highlighted both the physical and symbolic weight of the piece.

The chair now sits overlooking the Dwyryd Estuary, gradually being absorbed by its surroundings. As the spring and summer progressed foliage continued to grow through and around the piece emphasising the theme of porous boundaries. It reminds us of our connection to the natural world and our responsibility as gardeners and members of a wider community to ensure invasive plants remain within the boundaries of our gardens to minimize their impact on precious habitats. 

An invitation to reflect

Imagine walking up the path at Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve, the sound of birds twittering overhead and the rustle of reptiles in the undergrowth. As you climb uphill toward the spectacular views, you catch sight of the chair. 

Does it look out of place? 

What thoughts and feelings does this sculpture provoke for you? 

You can share your thoughts by sending them to ellen.williams@northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk