Friends' Visit: Somerville College

This visit is a first for our Friends. Somerville is a fairly modern (in Oxford College terms) and progressive college, founded in 1879. The gardens are open and expansive with small areas of interesting plantings around the central lawns. It is very much a central and well-used part of the college by students, staff and visitors alike. Alastair Mallick has been Head Gardener for nearly 18 months and in that time, he has been working to bring a wider variety of plantings to the borders. The small team of two, plus a trainee, garden organically and each year are trying to develop new areas to increase plant and wildlife diversity. This has included developing the meadow area, building a rockery, succulent displays, and an exotic summer border. An introduction to the garden at the start of the visit will set these new developments in context. Friends will then have the opportunity to see the site independently and with a guided tour. Refreshments will be served at the end of the afternoon by the college. 

Book your tickets using the form below - this event is for Friends of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum.