Ethos

Arcadian

Is the vision of Stephen Ben Cox to create (in addition to the educational, charitable, and community projects and resources of his garden) a context and initiative in which can be explored and understood the philosophy in practice of humanity in harmony with wildlife and the landscape and Nature.

It is, in essence, an ancient spiritual philosophy and one which has been largely lost over the millennia in our drive for progress, materialism, control, dominance, and of exploitation of the planet. We have become cut off from our own planetary home and our fellow creatures. And they, like us, have suffered as a result. Human survival may be threatened by being disconnected for too long. We need a path in life that is cohesive and interdependent.

This spirit of balance, harmony, creativity, respect, interdependence pervades all aspects of how this garden was designed and built and how it is now managed and made available in its many projects.

Unity in Diversity

This is a unique Garden and unusual charity that offers insights of the balance of opposites:

Hard & soft landscaping.

Man made & natural materials.

Formal & informal design.

Contrasting zonal rooms.

Inner and outer life.

Flowing & still water.

Rugged and soft planting.

Places for wildlife and for humans.

Modern and traditional.

Cultivated & wild.

Reflection & stimulus.

Loss and replacement.

Structured and unstructured.

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Balance With Nature

At the heart of it all is the philosophy of Arcadia: a vision of man in balance with nature and the landscape. By creating a garden of opposites that still has a oneness it offers an image and focus of the potential for revitalizing the individual and society/the inner and the outer/the micro and the macro environment in a flowing symbiosis. A much-needed vision and teaching resource in today's world as we strive to solve the problems that beset us.

It's various workshops, courses, programmes include this principle in its teaching. Additional to its charitable teachings for the young unemployed, provision for young adults with learning difficulties, and residential study placements for young Europeans age 18-27 for between 4 and 12 weeks.

Stephen has been interested in this (dialectic) interplay since his teens. Gradually over the years, it has emerged in his writings and in his artworks. The garden and the charity is the clearest & most practical expression of it.

Stephen Ben Cox c.2020 

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STEPHEN COX GARDEN TRUST

is a Registered Charity (number: 1174239) in England & Wales

PURPOSE: To advance education in horticulture, conservation, wildlife, and heritage by providing study courses, training placements, talks, and workshops and other means for the enrichment of society and improvement of human well being in general based upon the Founder's garden, library, writings, teaching, and philosophy. Including: skill enhancement for the young unemployed or those facing learning difficulties or other barriers to employment or self-advancement.

stephencox.gardentrust@gmail.com 

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