Redwood Stone, based high in the Mendips near Wells, have been producing the finest quality classical ornamental stonework for many years. Their vases, urns, plinths and finials have soft, fluid pleasing lines inspired by generations of the stonemasons' art. Since 1994 a complimentary product has joined the Redwood range: hand carved granite from China.

The Granite Collection started as a limited selection of lanterns, designs strongly influenced by traditional Japanese styles. The 2000 collection now includes not only ornaments suitable for oriental style gardens but also more contemporary water features and pieces with a strong architectural feel that suit gardens of today.

The granite originates a long way from Wells. Quarried high in the mountains of Guandong and Fujian it is then transported 300 miles to the factories. This is no mass-market product; these "factories" are small family run businesses employing the services of over 100 highly skilled granite masons. Each man specialises in one type of product utilising skills that have passed down from father to son. A strong similarity to Redwood Stone all those thousands of miles away in Somerset.

Granite has a wonderful feeling or permanency. This fusion of feldspar, mica and quartz has a strength of character as dominant as its durability. Add a piece to your garden and you are investing in a garden ornament that will stand the test of time and will be passed on from generation to generation.

Andrew McIndoe, Hilliers Nurseries, March 2000
   
 
(please click on images below to see a larger image)    

Granite Balls with holes, stunning features in water or spouting onto cobbles.

The Tsukubai or water bowl, traditionally used at the entrance to a temple or Tea Garden. The bowl would be filled with clean water and visitors would wash their hands and rinse their mouths as an act of atonement prior to taking part in a tea ceremony. As the bowl is placed at ground level visitors were forced to stoop as a further act of atonement.

Cascade Set.
A dramatic water feature that makes a real statement on its own or within a pool.

Schizendou.
Stunning contemporary lantern.