If you have been to Central Park recently, you may have seen a new corner under development near the Café.
One of our gardeners, Maddy Yarham, achieved a distinction for a level 2 in Horticulture apprenticeship at Writtle College. As part that apprenticeship, Maddy worked with colleagues on designing and developing a superb new bedding area. This is the story of how the garden came to be, from concept to implementation.
You can watch Maddy tell you all about this great new winter garden here:
A few years ago, Maddy and her team decided Central Park could use more winter interest plants, in an area where visitors could relax and maybe read a newspaper while drinking coffee. The team set about researching and gathering ideas they could incorporate in this winter-based zone, like a wrought iron arch at Hylands estate (image below), before drawing concept plans (examples below). Plans were discussed and revised until a consensus was reached. The core winter theme was kept, alongside some year round plant interest, with plants chosen like:
Ground preparations started with, beds and paths measured out. Topsoil started to be removed, the bedding areas were then backfilled with a few tons of well rotten manure and topsoil, which was left to settle for a few months. The path and wrought iron fencing were installed.
Planting started going in this winter (2024/25) when ground conditions allowed. The garden will continue to develop over the next few years, as the plants become established, and some seating is added.
Maddy said it’s been great working with the team and seeing the garden evolve from idea to being here for all to enjoy.
If your near Central Park why not take the scenic route and have a look. This winter garden is right near the fantastic Central Park Café, so you can grab a drink or have a leisurely brunch on your way too.
If you do visit this Spring, you might notice another of the garden corners undergoing new work, we will have more news coming in the next few month, so watch this space…
