Blog
24 November 2025
As the final leaves fall and the days draw in, the gardens at Emmanuel College move into their quietest - but by no means least important - season. Winter preparation work is well underway and these late-autumn tasks help shape the displays and habitats that will flourish when spring returns.
Camassia Bulb Planting in North Court Meadows
This year’s major highlight has been the planting of Camassia bulbs in the North Court meadows. These elegant, starry-flowered perennials are perfectly suited to naturalising in grass and we’re introducing them to mingle with the existing wildflower mix. Over time, the Camassias will create soft drifts of blue and cream in late spring, rising above the meadow foliage and adding both height and colour to the early-season tapestry. Planting now ensures they receive the necessary winter chill to break dormancy and settle in for a long life among the meadow’s native species.
Tending the Meadow for Winter
The meadows themselves have been cut back and raked to reduce fertility - an important step in supporting the more delicate wildflowers that thrive in leaner soils. With the new bulbs tucked safely into the turf, the meadow enters a resting phase, ready to surge back with fresh energy in April and May.
Annual Cutting Back Around the Pond
Another key winter job has been the annual cutting back of the vegetation around the pond. This maintenance helps keep the waterbody healthy and prevents excess organic matter from accumulating and reducing oxygen levels. By clearing reeds, spent marginal plants and overhanging growth, we preserve open water, improve light levels and maintain a variety of habitats for amphibians, aquatic insects and overwintering birds. It’s a careful balance - enough clearing to protect the pond’s ecology, but always leaving sections untouched to provide shelter and continuity for wildlife.
Looking Ahead
Though the gardens may appear still in these colder months, the groundwork laid now prepares the landscape for a vibrant spring. We look forward to seeing the new Camassia begin their first tentative emergence next year and to welcoming the wildlife that relies on Emmanuel’s carefully tended habitats throughout the seasons.
Stay warm and we’ll share more updates as the turn of the year brings fresh signs of life back into the gardens.
Best wishes
Brendon Sims (Head Gardener)