Gardens

The sub-committee was established following the extraordinary AGM in 2021, during which issues surrounding tree cutting and communication about works were discussed. The sub-committee met for the first time in October 2021, during which they drew up their constitution and defined their aims. Since then, the committee has met on a monthly basis on average.

The remit of the sub-committee includes managing the existing maintenance required for the Gardens and other areas of Rowley Park, as well as developing a plan for future maintenance. In 2021 a four-year plan was drawn up to address the necessary work to maintain the trees and shrubs.

Additionally, the sub-committee agreed to hold events to raise money for the upkeep and improvement of the gardens, with the aim of holding four events per year.

Gardens 2025 - 2027 Plan

Plans

Objective

Add more colour, interest, and scent to the garden
Increase biodiversity
Attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects
Avoid pesticides, herbicides, and poisons
Use natural mulch
retain open lawn space

Download Plans Here

Click here to download full 15 page 2025 - 2027 plan here.

Exciting new plants coming soon

#Find out where the following new plants will be planted by downloading the plans now.

Crab Apple Tree, Pink Perfection
Hellebores
Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’
Wild Cyclamen
Rambling Roses
Camellias
Azaleas
Hamamelis Mollis
Astilbes
Flamingo Feathers
Geranium Rosanna
Cornus Sanguinea Midwinter Fire
Woodland Ferns & Snowdrops

Recent Events

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Phased Plans

There remain a number of maintenance and management challenges that require careful consideration over the next phase of the plan. The sub-committee is keen to follow the advice of the Head Gardener of Dorothy Clive Gardens in addressing the decline in the rhododendrons through pruning and shaping. We aim to avoid using herbicides and pesticides, and we are committed to respecting the bird nesting season, which lasts from the end of March to the beginning of September.

We also believe that the Pleasure Gardens can play a role in reducing the decline of pollinators. By adopting a planting and mowing regime that allows some of the grass and wildflowers to grow, while keeping the majority of the grass closely cropped, we can contribute to this effort.

Adhering to these principles presents several challenges for the sub-committee. Observing the nesting season limits the amount of time major work can take place. Avoiding the use of chemicals necessitates exploring alternatives such as citronella or mechanical root removal, which can be more expensive. Additionally, we need to carefully consider a planting scheme for the two verges on Rowley Avenue, which, after the loss of the oak, appear sadly neglected.