What started as a bit of fun to entertain her grandchildren when they passed by in the car during lockdown, has now become an unofficial Lake District tourist attraction.
Like many grandparents, Lesley Pammenton, 60, of Seat Howe, Thornthwaite, missed out on having direct contact with her grandkids Oliver and Niamh, aged six and five, who live near Cockermouth.
She was only able to wave at them and daughter Sarah and son-in-law Chris, as they drove past the end of her front garden, which commands stunning views across to Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw.
To put a smile on their faces, she decided to paint a couple of wooden ornamental owls to bring them to life.
It proved such a hit with her grandchildren that she went further with the help of Carlisle-based wood carver Graham Johnson.
Along with the owls, birds and colourful peacocks, the garden now features a host of characters from The Tales of Beatrix Potter.
There for all to see are Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Samuel Whiskers, Jemima Puddleduck, Squirrel Nutkin, Diggery Mole, Tommy Brock, Mr Tod and even Mister McGregor protecting his own little garden.
The cute collection has also become a stopping spot for passing walkers and cyclists on the Cumbria Way. Lesley said: “What started up as a bit of fun for the local grandchildren has ended up becoming a bit of a local attraction — which it wasn’t meant to be!
“A lot of children now go past and just love them. A chap went past at the weekend and said 40-year-olds love them as well!”
Of Graham’s handiwork, Lesley said: “He has done absolutely fantastic. The more he has done, the better and more intricate he has got.
“I’ve always liked Beatrix Potter and it is very much this part of the country.”
