SCULPTURES and other works of art form a central attraction at the awardwinning 20-acre Himalayan Garden, near Ripon, which is open to the public.

The sculptures are by about 50 well-known and aspiring sculptors from the UK, Europe and US. The exhibits, numbering more than 150, are situated around the gardens and lakes and in a covered exhibition space.

Visitors have the opportunity to buy the pieces, which start at £100.

Peter Roberts, who owns and created the garden, said: “The Himalayan Garden provides a beautiful environment where contemporary art can be shown to powerful effect.

“Also, we have ensured the prices of the exhibits cover a broad spectrum with a wide variety of materials including bronze, stone, ceramics and glass to suit all budgets.”

Mr Roberts linked up with the school of design at Leeds University and invited second-year students to exhibit, as a way of encouraging young artists. Three finalists will be chosen who will qualify for bursaries.

The garden, situated deep in the North Yorkshire countryside, claims to have the UK’s largest collection of specie rhododendrons, with plants from the Himalayas and countries including India, Bhutan, Tibet, China, Vietnam, Nepal, Chile and Japan.

It is home to 1,000 varieties of species and hybrid rhododendrons as well as 250 azalea varieties and 170 different magnolias.

Last year, the Himalayan Garden won the environmental project category in the 2009 Yorkshire Rural Awards. It also has a nursery selling nearly 200 varieties of rhododendron as well as ericaceous shrubs and perennials.

The garden is open daily, closed Mondays except bank holidays, until June 13, from 10am-4pm.

Light refreshments are available. Admission is £6, under-12s free.

For more information, tel 01765-658009 or visit himalayangarden.com.