Vision for our Garden
While we work with the Council to restore the garden, we have an opportunity to influence some of the design and features. We have developed a vision for the garden, which has been shared with the Council, and we will align to this where possible during the restoration project.
The vision is based upon what has worked in the past and reflects the concept of the ‘Victorian Garden’. We have also incorporated advice from various landscape and garden professionals about current best practice. If you would like to comment on any aspect of the garden vision, please email the CSGC.
CANYNGE SQUARE GARDEN VISION
GARDEN OBJECTIVES
A safe area for children to play as they grow up in the Square.
Somewhere to sit and read, entertain friends and have picnics.
A place to hold neighbourhood events.
To be visually attractive from the outside and relate to the architecture of the Square.
To create a garden that can stand the test of time for everyone in the Square.
Develop the garden with an eye to the future so that the short and long term are considered, especially in relation to trees.
Prioritise the planting of non-invasive flowering and scented shrubs and pollinators in the beds.
GARDEN REQUIREMENTS
Large area of grass, unobstructed by overhead branches, for children’s ball games and other activities.
Sunny area for sunbathing, Midsummer Breakfast and other events.
Spaces around the open area for children to play, or hide, created by shrubs at random intervals along the boundary.
No dogs allowed into the garden.
GARDEN MAINTENANCE
The garden should be arranged to keep maintenance costs to a minimum.
Thought should be given to reducing the muddy areas by the gates.
Shrubs and bushes should be pruned regularly and should not be allowed to become tree-like and 'leggy'
Keep the hedge at a height so that the garden can be better seen from outside the Square.
Hedge also be chamfered by the gates for safety to give better vision for those entering and exiting.
Tree canopy to be lifted when necessary to enhance view over garden.
TREE STRATEGY
Background
A tree report by the Urban Arboriculturist in 1973 cited that the Square was populated by ’29 different species, mostly exotic’. Since 1973 the garden has lost nine trees, these include larger important ones such as the Bhutan Pine, The Japanese Pagoda and the Turkish Hazel. The number of species has dropped from 29 to13 and this has resulted in a considerable dilution in diversity.
Two trees were planted in 2006; the magnolia and the gingko, both of which suffered some damage during the removal of the Japanese Pagoda tree. At present the garden has two self seeded holly trees, five bay trees and 12 feature trees.
Objective
Plan the planting of new trees to preserve the character of the tree collection, restore the canopy and enhance biodiversity.
New trees to be a mix of native (to comply with modern horticultural practice) and unusual (to continue the Victorian tradition of the Square).
Of medium height, rather than forest height. There to be no more than four or five taller trees at any time. Ideally, no tree to be above the height of the houses.
Action
Carry out a tree survey with BCC tree officer. Be mindful there will always be a natural life cycle and some of the established trees will likely be lost over the next 20 years or so.
Identify sites and criteria for new trees (memorial tree for Coronation?).
Prepare a list of possible exotic trees.
Remove seedlings.
Review number of bay, laurel and holly.
Replace the tree labels, incorporating a QR code to look up more information about the trees.
For an update on the progress of the Garden Restoration project, please see the latest report, here.