On a recent trip to the city I discovered the Bath Botanic Gardens. Here I saw a plant collection that was inspiring both in its own right and for its great location on a south facing slope close to the Royal Crescent and Royal Victoria Park. The views across the surrounding parkland with the fine avenues of trees running through certainly placed the gardens in a wonderful setting.
Shaded Glades
Themed Planting
John Crowther made the point that the gardens provide an oasis for people to come to and relax, to recharge their batteries and all within a short walk of the city centre. The natural topography of the site enhances the well designed layout and planting schemes that have been carried out since its conception in 1840.
|
The scent from the mock oranges, Philadelphus microphyllus filled the air in parts of the garden
|
During spring and early summer the unmown areas of meadow grass had been provided a mass flowering of many bulb species that would have made impressive displays amongst the trees and mixed shrubs
|
Throughout the gardens, individual specimen trees and shrubs have been planted during recent years, many of which have been donated in memory of people who had connections with the gardens. John Crowther said “During the earlier years large collections had been planted because generous benefactors bequeathed them for safe keeping in the gardens. In more recent years it has been individual plants, now space is more limited and we do not wish to overcrowd plants and restrict the growth of established plants already in here.”
|
An unusual deciduous conifer specimen, Taxodium ascendens 'Nutans' with its upright growing foliage
|
The main lawn with the magnificent Tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera at the far end
|
|
Taxodium ascendens 'Nutans'
|
Tulip shaped flowers on the Tulip tree
|
The garden was originally part of the Royal Victoria Park and laid out in 1840 by John Milburn, who had previously been superintendent at Kew Botanic Garden. The intention was to create a picturesque garden with a botanical interest, not purely a botanical garden with formal collections; this policy is still followed by the City Council who took over responsibility for the upkeep in 1921.
Great Dell
The Chairman for many years has been Stan Hitt, former Director of Parks at Bath and Kew student. John Crowther commented on the tremendous work carried out by Stan Hitt and his members and how they have helped develop plans that will take the gardens forward. One of these initiatives is the ongoing work with schools and education groups. A temple style building in the garden has been turned into a visit centre so groups can meet for events.
Maximising Potential
The management and ongoing maintenance of the gardens is carried out by the Bath & North East Somerset Council under the supervision of John Crowther who is keen to see the gardens maximise their potential for the people of Bath plus the thousands of visitors to the city.
The architecture of the city highlights the genteel and often extravagant life styles of Georgian society from the past, however the Bath Botanic Garden is still very much alive and offers many benefits for today’s society.
Long may the city authorities and The Friends continue their positive management styles by having apprentices working in their plant nursery, arboriculture teams and maintenance teams out on the ground plus the desire to improve the gardens for future generations.
