Who Is The Gardener?
It is said that Sergie Alexandrovitch (Sasha) is a Russian
émigré. As with many other offcomers in Ulverston, his
past is somewhat hidden. However, from the evidence of
his inventive gardens, dens and sheds alone, we can see
that he is good at working with his hands, that his
imagination is as full as his kettle and his crazy pavings are
well edged. Many questions remain
.Are his clothes lines pegged with souvenirs of home-life?
Why does he re stitch the canvas from old army tents and
recycle so much clutter? Was he ever a soldier? Is there a
Mrs Alexandrovitch? Is he waiting for a thousand
grandchildren? Do his cosy shelters signify welcoming
asylum or are they dens made from his own childhood?
Delicate bells and rhythms signify world music, but where
did he learn to make such natural compositions? And what
are we to make of the giant stag and the leaping rainbow
goat? Are these visions from his adventures and why are
there so many chandeliers of stars?
Whatever, children love him and his patchwork hand made
world of whispers and stillness. Round every bend you'll
find your own surprise and your own inspiration. Listen
and look very carefully. In every and any garden moon
dust may land.
John Fox