Fellows’ Garden basks in admiration

Trinity’s Fellows’ Garden attracted more than 324 visitors on Sunday, when it opened to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS), raising a total of £1,526 from entrance fees, refreshments and plant sales.

An oasis opposite the Backs, the Fellows’ Garden covers eight acres, with a variety of planting, both formal and informal.  It was the 63rd year the garden had opened to the public as part of the NGS scheme – and arguably the most glorious weather! Cambridge was the warmest place in the UK on Sunday, with temperatures reaching 25.5 centrigrade.

Trinity’s Head Gardener, Tom Hooijenga, said:

The garden was well admired and we received a lot of positive feedback about the quality of the gardens and the presentation achieved (‘with so few gardeners” as somebody remarked!)

Among the ‘star plants of the day’ were the Akebia quinata in full flower over the pergola into Burrell’s Field; a flowering Poncirus trifoliata in the Fellows Garden; flowering Fritillaria meleagris in the long grass areas; and various cherries in full bloom.

All proceeds go to the National Garden Scheme (NGS), which supports nursing charities in the UK. In the 90 years since it was established, NGS has donated more than £50 million to The Queen’s Nursing Institute, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Carers Trust, Hospice UK, Perennial, and Parkinson’s UK.

For Trinity’s 12-strong team of gardeners, the open day is an opportunity to showcase their skill and dedication. Mr Hooijenga said: ‘I am very proud of the team and their hard work, both in preparing for the event, and the smooth running on the day itself.’