22 Nov 2023
The planting of a commemorative rose and tree marked the end of the first phase in the restoration of previously-neglected city centre gardens.
As revealed in the St Albans Times, an ongoing initiative aims to restore St Albans’ Civic Rose Garden with the aim of creating an open space which can be enjoyed by residents all year round while also bringing additional biodiversity to the area.
The garden, which is situated to the north of the Civic Centre and behind the buildings on the east side of St Peter’s Street, fell into decline over the last few years with many flower beds empty and overgrown with weeds.
Since the spring a group of volunteers led by Christine Graves, a retired garden designer, have been working in cooperation with SADC and council contractors John O’Connor to improve the garden, including weeding and planting beds with a variety of perennial plants, spring bulbs and 20 new roses donated by Rochfords of Hertford.
On Sunday the deputy Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Josie Madoc – who helped launch the project – visited the Civic Rose Garden to plant a rose and a Judas tree, marking the end of this phase but the garden will be maintained over the winter and further plans are being discussed for the future of the garden.
Cllr Madoc said: “As the saying goes, ‘the true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.’ And on this note, I was delighted to have planted a ‘Love tree’ and ‘Super Trouper’ rose bush in the Civic Centre Rose Garden.
“A huge thank you to local resident and horticulturalist Christine Graves who expressed an interest in revitalising this garden earlier this year as part of a chance meeting with me. Through her drive and determination, she has pulled together a wonderful team of volunteers who have been out numerous times in the rain or shine to make this a beautiful sanctuary.
“So many enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable people have worked together to make this happen over the last year and it was brilliant to have celebrated this with the planting of the rose and the tree to mark the Coronation of King Charles III. I hope that all our great great grandchildren will sit under it and enjoy it for many decades.
“Thanks for inviting me to plant these additions, it was a very special thing to do, and I look forward to walking past them from time to time and speaking to them, giving them some encouraging words to grow strong and flourish.”
Project spokesperson Sarah Gooden added: “Cllr Madoc’s support and assistance early in the year was crucial in making this project possible so it was lovely to have her visit the garden and officially mark the completion of the first phase.”
Anyone who would like to get involved or to donate plants can get in touch via garden.restoration@gmail.com
