The Three Graces of Galicia

The garden honours three influential 19th-century Spanish women – Rosalía de Castro, Emilia Pardo Bazán, and Concepción Arenal – celebrating their contributions as poets, novelists, thinkers, and naturalists, while highlighting their shared Galician heritage.

Inspired by their work and the romantic 19th-century gardens of Galicia, the design features winding paths, shaded nooks, and serene water elements to reflect Rosalía de Castro’s romantic poetry. Bold structural elements, like a pavilion and topiary trees, represent Emilia Pardo Bazán’s progressive ideas. A space for contemplation honours Concepción Arenal’s focus on social justice and advocacy for the marginalised. Artwork on plinths represent the writers’ work.

A tranquil lily pond with a tiered water fountain serves as a focal point, providing a cooling element in harmony with the romantic garden setting. A seating area under an elegant, vintage pavilion with scented climbers creates a space for contemplation and reflection.

Gravel paths wind through flower beds, paved with gravel and reclaimed granite setts, creating a picturesque sprit that reflects the 19th century Galician romantic gardens. Trellises, a vintage pavilion, an antique door, reclaimed gates and granite paving enhance the whole concept of 19th-century Galician romantic gardens.

At a glance:

Who would use this garden?
A family garden.
Where is the garden set?
Galicia.
Who or what is the design inspiration for the garden?
The purpose of the garden is to honour and celebrate the legacy of three influential women in 19th-century Spanish literature - Rosalía de Castro, Emilia Pardo Bazán, and Concepción Arenal.

Garden legacy

The garden will be relocated to a new site for the Getaway Girls charity, based in Leeds. The charity has been empowering vulnerable girls and young women in Leeds for over 35 years, helping them develop new skills and build confidence in areas they might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore.