A Springtime Stroll with Jonathan: Discovering Our Grounds Wonders
As the first blossoms of spring unfurl, the Langford campus comes to life with colour and activity. A recent walk through the park with Jonathan, one of the dedicated gardeners, revealed the secrets behind the stunning transformation of the grounds.
The stroll began at the southern end of the campus, where everything is neat and formal. Jonathan explained how this area is designed to be welcoming and visually appealing, especially since it’s where most people spend their time. The attention to detail here is truly impressive—like the front row of a fashion show, perfectly curated and ready to impress.
Moving north, the landscape becomes more natural and untamed. Jonathan pointed out areas where bramble thickets and scrub have been allowed to grow, creating habitats for wildlife. Log piles have been strategically placed to offer refuge to creatures both great and small. This area exudes a sense of freedom and vitality, much like letting your hair down after a long day.
Across the campus, around twenty-five bird boxes have been installed to provide shelter for avian companions. Certain areas are no longer sprayed, allowing “weeds” to grow and provide essential habitats and nourishment for pollinating insects. Embracing these natural elements adds a unique charm to the grounds, much like the beauty found in life’s imperfections.
As the first blossoms of spring unfurl, the Langford campus comes to life with colour and activity. A recent walk through the park with Jonathan, one of the dedicated gardeners, revealed the secrets behind the stunning transformation of the grounds.
The stroll began at the southern end of the campus, where everything is neat and formal. Jonathan explained how this area is designed to be welcoming and visually appealing, especially since it’s where most people spend their time. The attention to detail here is truly impressive—like the front row of a fashion show, perfectly curated and ready to impress.
Moving north, the landscape becomes more natural and untamed. Jonathan pointed out areas where bramble thickets and scrub have been allowed to grow, creating habitats for wildlife. Log piles have been strategically placed to offer refuge to creatures both great and small. This area exudes a sense of freedom and vitality, much like letting your hair down after a long day.
Across the campus, around twenty-five bird boxes have been installed to provide shelter for avian companions. Certain areas are no longer sprayed, allowing “weeds” to grow and provide essential habitats and nourishment for pollinating insects. Embracing these natural elements adds a unique charm to the grounds, much like the beauty found in life’s imperfections.
Some lawns are managed as meadows, enriched with wildflower mixes to attract pollinators and add vibrant hues. In one area, autumn leaves have been left uncleared to enrich the soil and provide habitat. This approach brings a beautiful harmony to the landscape, akin to finding beauty in the chaos of fallen leaves.
Approximately forty new trees have been planted over the past five years, both in the fields surrounding the campus and within the site itself. Where feasible, deadwood from ancient trees is left in place as habitat for wildlife or stacked to create habitat log piles. This thoughtful practice honours the past while nurturing the future.
The tour culminated in the walled garden, where ornamental flowers have been replanted. While primarily intended for the enjoyment of those on campus, these flowers also serve to increase nectar and pollen availability for insects throughout the year. The vibrant blooms add a touch of elegance to everyday surroundings, much like a well-chosen accessory.
The campus is alive with birdsong, a testament to the positive impact of these actions. The small and friendly gardening team is always willing to pause and share their wisdom with those who inquire.
All staff, students, and visitors are warmly invited to take a mindful tour around the grounds—to celebrate the diligent labour and unwavering dedication of the remarkable gardeners, and to enjoy the serene beauty they have so lovingly cultivated.
Some lawns are managed as meadows, enriched with wildflower mixes to attract pollinators and add vibrant hues. In one area, autumn leaves have been left uncleared to enrich the soil and provide habitat. This approach brings a beautiful harmony to the landscape, akin to finding beauty in the chaos of fallen leaves.
Approximately forty new trees have been planted over the past five years, both in the fields surrounding the campus and within the site itself. Where feasible, deadwood from ancient trees is left in place as habitat for wildlife or stacked to create habitat log piles. This thoughtful practice honours the past while nurturing the future.
The tour culminated in the walled garden, where ornamental flowers have been replanted. While primarily intended for the enjoyment of those on campus, these flowers also serve to increase nectar and pollen availability for insects throughout the year. The vibrant blooms add a touch of elegance to everyday surroundings, much like a well-chosen accessory.
The campus is alive with birdsong, a testament to the positive impact of these actions. The small and friendly gardening team is always willing to pause and share their wisdom with those who inquire.
All staff, students, and visitors are warmly invited to take a mindful tour around the grounds—to celebrate the diligent labour and unwavering dedication of the remarkable gardeners, and to enjoy the serene beauty they have so lovingly cultivated.
