The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall have launched a new feature as part of their annual Night Garden event, showcasing a collaboration with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. This marks the beginning of a yearlong partnership with Armitage, who has contributed a two-metre-wide Walnut Orb-Weaver Spider lantern and a new haiku titled Web.
Inspired by his visits to Heligan, Armitage’s haiku celebrates the estate’s rich biodiversity and the delicate artistry of spider silk. The poem is projected alongside a spider’s web, adding a poetic touch to the illuminated landscape of the Night Garden.
Simon’s Reflection on His Heligan Experience
Armitage shared his thoughts on the project, saying, “Working with Heligan has been a kind of dream. Its gardens, paths, and jungle are more dreamscape than landscape—a place that stays with you and invites the imagination to roam free. I got lost in the Lost Gardens, creating poems like little dens and treehouses, not wanting to be found.”
The Night Garden’s award-winning lantern trail, created by The Lantern Company, transforms the grounds into a glowing winter wonderland. Visitors can explore the spectacle on select dates through January 4th, with Armitage’s poem adding a poetic layer to the visual display.
Looking Ahead to Dwell
Web is just a preview of Dwell, a collection of poetry set for release in May 2025 by Faber. Laura Chesterfield, Managing Director of Heligan, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, saying, “It has been an honor to have Simon at Heligan, interpreting our commitment to biodiversity through this unique lens. We eagerly await the full collection in 2025, and this haiku serves as a perfect introduction.”
Plan Your Visit
Tickets for the Heligan Night Garden start at £20.50 for adults and £11 for children. Under-threes and Essential Companions can enter for free.
Enjoy the magic of words and light this winter at The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
