Blog
5 March 2025
As I write this latest review, reflecting on the Garden Department's last few months, the sun is shining, and all feels good in the world. It is wonderful to feel the apricity against my skin. Apricity is an archaic word that has been lost from the English language for centuries. Its definition refers to the warmth of sunlight in the winter, and it never caught on to mainstream use after its introduction in the 1600s. It is a term I like to use at this time of year as the first real warmth from the sun. Although we now approach springtime and winter is finishing, this really is the first spell.
The weather this winter has been far from bright, though. At times, it has seen the dullest spell of weather since the 1970s. I will certainly not take this recent spell of sunshine for granted.
We have seen some transitional colour spread through the Emmanuel gardens, though, in the form of early bulb colour. It starts with the Winter Aconites (Eranthis hyemalis), then the Snowdrops appear (Galanthus spp.) and now the Crocus look fabulous under the Oriental Plane tree. These early bulbs bring us joy as we look to leaving those grey days behind us.
The department has been extremely busy these last few months, working hard to complete the enormous winter pruning schedule. We have been busy pruning the hazel, the hydrangeas, the plumbagos, the figs, as well as working our way through the herbaceous borders and cutting away last season’s growth. We will soon see this season’s growth emerge, especially if the warm spell continues.
Another job that the department has been busy with is the restoration of the memorial benches. It is a huge task to clean, sand down and re-protect all the memorial benches on site. We want to maintain these benches for many years to come, so that the Benefactors can see them used for as long as possible. The Garden Department appreciate the donations, so we like to give some love back by taking the time to look after the benches that have been donated.
The Community Garden is building its community too. Although the weather has been poor, I have put on some sessions sowing seeds in the glasshouses. These plants can be used on the college raised beds in good time. It is great to see many students and Fellows working together, learning and trying out new skills. As the weather improves, we can turn our attention to the plots. It is a great place to unwind and provide some light relief from studying. The mental health benefits from community-led gardening are hard to measure but the smiles on people’s faces are a good indicator.
Shortly, the growing season will start in earnest. We have already had to make a start on some of the lawns. The buds on the trees and the flowers are starting to swell. The Magnolia in the Jester Garden is an excellent example that Spring is on its way. It won’t be too long before it flowers, so make sure you don't miss it. As beautiful as the flowers are, they unfortunately do not last very long and can start to drop after a sharp frost or a strong wind.
Best wishes.
Brendon Sims, Head Gardener