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Press Release
Bog garden takes shape
1st July 2002
Visitors to Kew's Country garden, in Ardingly, are witnessing a massive development
programme as the water garden feature at Wakehurst Place moves nearer completion.
The whole Water Garden area at the West Sussex estate was badly affected by
the storm of 1987. Commencing with the main Water Garden itself, a phased
programme of restoration has taken in the Iris Dell (formerly the Japanese
Garden) and the Ditch Beds, culminating with the Bog Garden. This is the only
outstanding area at Wakehurst Place to be restored, but is the largest and
most technically difficult to complete.
"Although clearance of moribund plants from the beds surrounding the
open water commenced in 1999, attempts to drain the water were frustrated
by constant seepage from the bank to the north of the site", explains
spokesman Trevor Butler. "So a more measured and longer term approach
has had to be adopted."
The latest phase of this ambitious project starts with removal of moribund
plants, installing drainage, and restoring the north bank to a wildflower
area. Rationalisation of the area margins will then reduce maintenance in
future years. By intercepting the flow of water from higher ground, draining
the open water will be possible.
"Casting of a concrete base to the open water area is the largest element
of the project but will significantly reduce maintenance in the future",
adds Trevor. Construction of concrete block walls, topped with sandstone,
will retain the soil and hold the shape of the open water area, giving the
same appearance as the Iris Dell.
Construction of a raised wooden walkway will be in the style of the Iris Dell,
along with creation of dipping pools for our Schools Education activities.
UK natives will then be planted in the area enclosed by the walkway, which
with the wildflower bank on the north side, will become a valuable educational
area.
The final re-planting of the east and south sides of the Bog Garden will then
use aesthetic groupings of flowering and foliage subjects.
Completion of the project will unite the themes of the Slips and the Water
Garden. We will return the Bog Garden to its former attractive state, whilst
also creating a new educational facility. The path system leads to separation
of users of the two sides of the feature, so each will be catered for in identifiable
areas.
--ends--
For more information, interview and photo opportunities, please contact the
Press Office on 01444 894018
For further Press information please contact:
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Kew: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5607/5619 |
Wakehurst Place: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)1444 894018 |
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