Fitzwilliam College’s gardens will be open for charity under the National Gardens Scheme for the first time on Sunday 15 April 2012, from 2pm - 5pm.

Traditional topiary, borders, woodland walk, lawns from the Edwardian period and specimen trees are complemented by modern planting and wild meadow. The gardens are tended by Head Gardener Steve Kidger and his team - who have created an entirely new landscape around the College’s new library.

An avenue of century-old lime trees, underplanted with squills, glory of the snow, snake’s head fritillaries and wild daffodils, leads to The Grove, the 1813 house that once belonged to the Darwin family (please note: the house itself is not open). In 1883, Emma Darwin wrote “I never saw such a display of primroses ... especially under each of the beech trees; they were like a carpet”. The beeches still stand and primroses are still present; new planting includes wood-rush and Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’.

Admission to the gardens is £5, children enter free. The College’s café bar will be open for refreshments. The College is located approximately one mile north-west of Cambridge city centre. Turn into Storey’s Way from Madingley Rd (A1303) or from Huntingdon Rd (A1307).

Panoramic views of the College, taken in April 2011 »

National Gardens Scheme website »

Posted: 21 March 2012