Yerth Threddle: A Living Art Installation at Ebbsfleet Green

Yerth Threddle: A Living Art Installation at Ebbsfleet Green

Project:

Yerth Threddle

Client:

Redrow Homes and Liz Middleton

Requirement:

Supply and preparation of five multi-stemmed Prunus serrula to form the central living element of a permanent public art installation.

Hillier Project Manager:

Kate Griffiths

Plant Production:

Andler Ash Field-Grown Nursery

Overview

In collaboration with Redrow Homes and sculptor Liz Middleton, Hillier was pleased to support the delivery of Yerth Threddle, a public art installation at Ebbsfleet Green, Kent. Designed to bring together nature and sculpture, the project aimed to foster a sense of place and community for residents within this growing garden city.

The Vision

Yerth Threddle grew out of conversations with the local community, many of whom expressed a strong connection to nature and a desire for spaces that encourage togetherness. The name, drawn from Old English Kentish – ‘Yerth’ meaning earth, and ‘Threddle’ meaning to thread – speaks to the idea of people and nature being woven together.  

The final piece is a thoughtful blend of five Prunus serrula and mirrored stainless-steel sculptures, representing growth, reflection, and the ties between people and place.

Hilliers Role and Plant Production

Hillier was asked to supply five mature Prunus serrula to serve as the living element of the installation. Grown at our field-grown nursery, Andlers Ash, each tree was carefully selected for its character, structure, and health, qualities that were essential for this high-profile, permanent setting.

Once selected, each tree underwent 3D scanning to capture its form, which served as the template for its mirrored stainless steel ‘partner’ sculpture. These handmade sculptures were designed to reflect the natural form of the trees while creating a sense of movement and interaction in the landscape.

Meeting the Requirement

This project not only called for multi-stemmed, sculpturally interesting trees, but also for exceptional quality and consistency across all five specimens. Our in-house growing expertise and attention to structural quality allowed us to meet those needs and support the artistic vision with confidence.

The Results

Installed in Spring 2024, Yerth Threddle is now a focal point within the green spaces of Ebbsfleet Green. While the sculptures capture a single moment in time, the trees will continue to grow and evolve, bringing natural beauty, seasonal change, and a quiet sense of connection to the space for years to come.

Key Trees

Prunus serrula

Discovered by the renowned plant explorer Ernest Wilson during his Chinese exhibition in the early 1900s, …

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