Expert Jo Thompson will redesign Corpus Christi College's garden.
Jo Thompson, an alumna of Corpus Christi College, is embarking on a new project at her alma mater in Cambridge, spearheading a contemporary and ecologically mindful landscape transformation. The garden design, which prioritises sustainability and naturalistic planting, is set to breathe new life into the college's gardens.
The design, described by Matt Mace, the college gardening team's leader, as soft and expressive, features curved lawn areas, wildflower and bulb meadows, and a wildlife walk. The inspiration for this woodland glade feel comes from the surrounding trees, creating a harmonious connection between the garden and its surroundings.
The garden project aims to provide a tranquil, inspiring setting for students and visitors while contributing to local wildlife conservation. It will incorporate native and locally adapted species, creating a naturalistic planting scheme that mimics the structure and diversity found in woodland environments.
Seasonal bulb displays will provide bursts of colour in spring and early summer, while also supporting pollinators. The garden is also designed to be a butterfly-friendly habitat, with nectar-rich plants and caterpillar host species to attract and sustain butterflies and other pollinators.
Sustainable practices are at the heart of the design, with water-wise planting schemes, organic soil improvement, and minimal use of chemical inputs. This approach aligns with broader environmental stewardship goals, ensuring the garden is not only beautiful but also kind to the planet.
Jo Thompson's design approach is known for blending contemporary aesthetics with naturalistic planting and ecological sensitivity. The Corpus Christi College garden is expected to be no exception, offering a tranquil, inspiring space that serves as a testament to Thompson's design philosophy.
The college gardening team, led by Andy Pullin and Matt Mace, will start the early stages of garden clearing to prepare for the new landscape design. The project involves revitalizing the gardens at Mogford Lodge, which have been transformed into student accommodation.
The design includes a journey around the garden, inspired by contemplative walks, and will feature places to gather and places to sit quietly and enjoy nature. The garden project, an honour for Jo Thompson, is scheduled to be completed by mid-June.
While specific documentation regarding the project's timeline or specific plant choices was not provided in the given paragraphs, this summary reflects the style and ethos of Jo Thompson’s woodland-inspired sustainable garden designs. For more precise information or project documentation, consulting college archives or Thompson’s official portfolio would be advisable.
The design by Jo Thompson, a Corpus Christi College alumna, prioritizes sustainable garden features and naturalistic planting, aiming to create a harmonious connection between the college gardens and their surrounding landscape. The garden design, known for blending contemporary aesthetics with ecological sensitivity, will include curved lawn areas, wildflower and bulb meadows, and a wildlife walk, providing a tranquil, inspiring setting for students and visitors.
Sustainable practices are at the core of the project, with water-wise planting schemes, organic soil improvement, and minimal use of chemical inputs, aligning with broader environmental stewardship goals. The garden is designed to serve as a butterfly-friendly habitat, incorporating nectar-rich plants and caterpillar host species, and will contribute to local wildlife conservation.
The college gardening team will be responsible for preparing the gardens for the new landscape design, which includes transforming the Mogford Lodge gardens from student accommodations into an ecologically mindful wonder. The design will feature places to gather and places to sit quietly and enjoy nature, making it a testament to Thompson's design philosophy.
Thompson's approach to garden design is not just about creating beautiful gardens; it's about creating spaces that are kind to the planet. As the project progresses, it will be interesting to see how this home-and-garden transformation reflects her commitment to sustainable living and the home-and-garden industry at large.
