Blog
11 May 2026
Emmanuel College Gardens
April brought with it an unusually prolonged spell of dry weather, something that has become an increasingly familiar feature of recent springs in Cambridge. While the clear skies and warm sunshine were welcome after the winter months, the lack of rainfall quickly began to show across the gardens. Newly planted areas and spring bedding required careful attention, with watering routines becoming an essential part of the daily schedule much earlier than we would normally expect.
The dry conditions have, however, encouraged some plants to flourish spectacularly. The wisteria performed particularly well this year, with long cascades of violet flowers hanging heavily around the courts and garden walls. Tulips also enjoyed the bright conditions, producing vivid displays across the Fellows’ Garden and the borders around Front Court. The magnolias gave a notably long flowering season before the warmer temperatures accelerated the transition into early summer growth.
One particularly welcome return this season has been the reappearance of the window boxes in Front Court, bringing an additional layer of colour and softness to the historic architecture of the College. Planted in a vibrant summer palette, the displays include F1 pink geraniums, mini trailing petunias, trailing verbena, and trailing ivy-leaf geraniums, complemented by the silver foliage of Helichrysum petiolaris. Accents of blue from Felicia amelloides and the warm tones of Calibrachoa ‘Rosy Maple’ help create a long-lasting display designed to thrive throughout the summer months. In the bright early May sunshine, the boxes have already begun to establish well and are proving a cheerful focal point for all entering the College.
Lawns across the College have needed thoughtful management. Although Emmanuel’s established grass areas remain resilient, April’s rainfall total was significantly below average, and signs of stress began appearing by the end of the month. Rather than pursuing excessively lush growth, our approach increasingly focuses on maintaining healthy, durable turf that can better tolerate these changing seasonal patterns. Areas left slightly longer are already proving more resilient and continue to support pollinating insects and other wildlife.
The community kitchen gardens and cutting gardens have also benefited from the warm soil temperatures. Sweet peas, herbs, and strawberries and Rhubarb are developing rapidly, along with the gooseberries we are hopeful for strong summer displays over the coming weeks. Early irrigation has been essential, particularly for younger plants whose root systems are not yet fully established. Mulching has again played an important role in conserving moisture and improving soil condition throughout the ornamental borders. The department welcomed students via another gardener’s workshop, held on 7th May.
One of the pleasures of this time of year is watching the gardens change almost daily. May and June bring a remarkable sense of momentum: fresh foliage deepens in colour, herbaceous borders begin to fill out, and the long evenings allow both gardeners and visitors to enjoy the spaces in a different way. The scent from roses is beginning to drift across the courts, while the lime trees will soon provide their familiar canopy and shade as we move fully into summer.
Behind the scenes, the gardening team continues its seasonal programme of staking, pruning, feeding, and propagation. Irrigation planning has become a more significant part of our work in recent years, and the increasingly dry spring periods remind us of the importance of sustainable water management within historic gardens such as these.
Despite the challenges posed by the dry weather, the gardens remain full of colour and activity, and it is encouraging to see students, fellows, staff, and visitors making the most of the outdoor spaces during the Easter Term. As always, the changing seasons bring both challenges and rewards, and we look forward to seeing the gardens continue to evolve over the summer months.
It is around this time of year that the College quietens down as the students enter the quiet period. For many it is a time for deep concentration as exams are almost here. This is also the time that I remind you all to take advantage of the gardens. If you can, take a break, walk around the gardens, clear your head a little. The warmer weather might be perfect for quiet study in the grounds. Remember, if you are feeling a little stressed or overwhelmed, then it is fine to come a have a brief chat with the gardeners. The gardens are proven to help with wellbeing, and the gardeners may well pass on some wisdom to help you relax.
In other news, I have had a slight change to my job title. My role is now Head of Gardens and Landscapes, and this reflects the changes in my everyday working schedule, overlooking the colleges landscaped areas both here at main site, plus the sportsground’s landscapes, and also the many off-site properties and hostels. I think for the purposes of this regular blog, we will continue to call it a Head Gardeners Report so not to add any confusion.
Brendon Sims - Head of Gardens and Landscapes