Marwell Magic

A week or so ago I had the great pleasure to open the new formal garden at Marwell Wildlife Park, near Winchester. Marwell is a surprising place, more than a zoo it enables the visitor to see wild creatures from all over the planet in surroundings as similar to their native habitat as possible. A visit to Marwell is an experience and an education thanks to the dedicated and energetic team responsible for running it. In this environment everyone looks at the animals first, and plants and gardens play a support role. But this does not mean that Lance Ingram, Head of Grounds and Plants considers his role any less important. Thanks to his enthusiasm for the job he is working to increase the standards and profile of plants alongside the animals.

The ambitious project to create a new formal garden adjacent to Marwell Hall has been designed and executed by Lance and his team. It is inspired by the style of gardening and plants grown in the 16th and 17th centuries, adapted to todays plant pallette. It is entirely appropriate to the magnificent backdrop of Marwell Hall and has transformed the grounds around the hall to an attraction in the heart of the park. The planting only started last winter - formal yew and box hedges provide the backdrop surrounding roses, dianthus, iris, lilies and heritage vegetables. The formal vegetable garden is certainly going to be of great interest both to experienced gardeners and new gardeners inspired by the interest in grow-your-own. White carrots? Green tomatoes? - why not. Maybe some of these historical varieties will have a new lease of life with our constant search to find something new on our plates.

Herbs used for medicinal purposes and historical roses such as Rosa gallica 'Officinalis' - The Apothecary's Rose are a welcome reminder of the important role that plants and gardens have played in our lives through the centuries.

Personally I am particularly pleased to see the creation of a garden built to last - a new heritage garden that will be part of Marwell for years to come. So much in todays gardens is here today and gone tomorrow - this is real gardening and a great tribute to the great team that built it. I really look forward to seeing their next project.