Dr Tim Walker was our speaker, talking on 400 years of ‘Garden Design’ at Oxford Botanic Gardens. He is Professor of Plant Science at Somerville College and until recently Director of the Oxford Botanic Gardens for 34 years.
‘How should he approach the subject and cover in 1 hour’, he asked? It is seen as an ‘Imperfect Art form’ and could be considered from a scientific, historic, geographic, gardeners of even religious perspective.
Tim decided to talk us through the development of the gardens from its inception in the early 17th century, when it was evident that students studying the physics of plants needed a space. A piece of suitable land was found adjacent to Christ Church Meadows. The criteria was that the land be flat with fertile soil, and as this had previously been a burial ground it seemed ideal!
Original garden design had been based on a circular perimeter with 4 quadrants within the circle, a concept bought from Padua. Over the centuries design ideas evolved, mounds were introduced to give structure, and then fountains. Seed collections were started and seeds collected worldwide. Eventually a ‘classifications’ system was necessary to identify species of plants.
As surrounding land became available it was purchased to extend the gardens, so introducing an arboretum and wildflower meadows. Glasshouses were built (crudely at first) to house more delicate species, until we have the extensive garden visited today. The garden now houses the National Collection of Euphorbia’s.
Tim made the talk so interesting, with so many historic and memorable events. I am sure he gave us plenty to whet our appetites for a visit. He suggested that the best months to visit were June/July for the summer planting and September for the large collection of Acers in the arboretum.