Blog
6 July 2026
July has certainly tested both the gardens and the gardening team. We have experienced an exceptionally hot spell, with record-breaking temperatures and very little rainfall. While the sunshine has been welcomed by many, it has presented significant challenges for the gardens, with prolonged periods of heat placing considerable stress on plants, and particularly our lawns.
Despite the conditions, the garden team has worked tirelessly through the heat to ensure the College grounds looked their very best for the May Ball and the many garden parties that have followed. These events showcase Emmanuel at its finest, and it has been immensely rewarding to see the gardens enjoyed by so many students, Fellows, alumni and guests. It was fantastic to see the gardens illuminated at night, showcasing the structure of the trees and setting the party mood. As the garden party season now draws to a close, our attention turns to preparing the gardens for the forthcoming wedding season, when the College will once again welcome visitors to enjoy its beautiful surroundings.
There is much to celebrate in the gardens now. The waterlilies on Tyler's Garden Pond are putting on a magnificent display, providing a calm and colourful focal point. The herbaceous borders are now at their summer peak, bursting with vibrant colour and attracting a wealth of pollinating insects. The shady raised border by Mike's Bar is also looking particularly good, demonstrating that thoughtful plant selection can thrive even during challenging weather conditions.
The greatest casualty of the prolonged heat has undoubtedly been the lawns. Following the May Ball, we worked hard to repair and green up Front Court Lawn in time for graduation, and for a short while the results were very encouraging. However, sustaining healthy grass in temperatures approaching 35°C, with virtually no rainfall, is an uphill battle. While the lawns may currently appear tired and parched, grass is remarkably resilient, and with cooler weather and some sustained rain, we are confident they will recover well.
While the lawns inevitably draw the eye when they begin to brown, our greatest priority during periods of prolonged heat is always the trees, particularly those planted within the last few years. Newly established trees have yet to develop the extensive root systems needed to find moisture deep within the soil, making them especially vulnerable during hot, dry weather. Rather than frequent light watering, we give these trees regular, deep soakings, encouraging their roots to grow downwards in search of moisture. It is a time-consuming process, but one that is essential if we are to give our young trees the best chance of thriving for decades to come. In many ways, the effort invested now is an investment in the future landscape of Emmanuel's gardens.
As always, I would like to thank the garden team for their dedication, resilience and hard work during what has been an exceptionally demanding few months. Their efforts continue to ensure that Emmanuel's gardens remain a wonderful setting for college life, whatever the weather brings.
The garden and grounds team will also welcome a new team member this month. The college have recruited a new Head Groundsman at our Sportsground in Wilberforce Road. We welcome Will Stander to join our team from Girton College. Will joins us at an exciting time for the college sports teams. Will brings with him experience and is full of very exciting ideas. There will be more news on Will when he has settled in a bit but watch this space. The garden department are exciting to work alongside Will and embrace with him as part of everyday college life here at Emma and at Wilberforce Road.
With thanks to Emma Experience Director, Daniel McKay for the May Ball 2026 photos.