Watch our ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’ to learn the secrets of St John’s College gardens
Have you ever wished that you could replicate the wonderful gardens of St John’s in your own green space?
A video of the College’s version of ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’ is now available to watch in which the expert gardeners at St John’s shared their knowledge, answered questions, and offered tips to help your plots thrive.
Deputy Head Gardener David Brown, and one of our Skilled Gardeners, Zoe Cullen, revealed the secrets of the pristine lawns in the College, the best plants for the changing climate in Cambridgeshire, how to cope when muntjac deer and squirrels find your plants a delicious treat, and the number of bulbs needed to bring the gardens into full bloom in spring.
David explained: “In November 2023 we spent a whole month planting 57,000 bulbs and in now in February, March, and April, you will see them flourish.”
The team planted Limes Avenue, which runs from the Paddocks towards Queens’ Road, with three types of narcissus and Chionodoxa Blue Giant flowers. Alas, the Chionodoxa bulbs were something of a favourite for hungry squirrels. “We did have to chase a few away,” Zoe admitted.
She added that one of the types of daffodils they planted, Pseudonarcissus, “has a very gentle scent.
“When you walk there in the evenings you are hit by thousands of bulbs with scent and the smell is amazing. It was worth planting 57,000 bulbs just for that alone.”
Cambridge is one of the driest places in the country, which means gardening practices at the College have had to adapt to the changing weather.
David said: “We are trying to work with the environment and be sustainable and think of the impact we have on nature and wildlife.”
This has necessitated swapping out plants such as hostas for others that love the heat, such as irises.
Zoe said: “Unfortunately, hostas don’t cope in our environment anymore and roses are a delicacy for muntjac deer.
“As the climate is more and more erratic with temperatures ranging from 30 degrees to minus 10 degrees in one year, which is crazy, it really makes a difference choosing the right plants for the right place.”
The gardeners revealed how the College looks after the famous Boston Ivy on the back of New Court, which involves hiring an abseiling team, and why edging a lawn properly is vital. They also shared plans for a new pedestrian bridge over Bin Brook, a tributary of the River Cam.
Towards the end of the session, the gardeners answered further questions from alumni attendees including how to tame an unruly clematis (hard pruning makes things worse) and what to do when wisteria fails to flower (stop feeding them. Allow them to bake in the sun).
Alumni are always welcome to come and remind themselves of the beauty of the College gardens. David said: “St John’s is just a lovely place. If you want to come and look around, you are very welcome. We are very privileged to look after the grounds in a very historical setting in Cambridge.”
St John’s also welcomes volunteers, so if you are keen to help the team, email gardens@joh.cam.ac.uk.
