Everything's coming up roses in public gardens

Hemel Hempstead's Jellicoe Water Gardens are beginning to bloom, thanks to the arrival of new plants.
Planting in progress at the Water GardensPlanting in progress at the Water Gardens
Planting in progress at the Water Gardens

Having completed most of the hard landscaping, Dacorum Borough Council is starting to add the final touches to its £3.6 million restoration of the English Heritage-registered site.

They have begun re-planting the flower garden opposite Bank Court, recreating the pattern favoured by original gardener Susan Jellicoe.

Now that new toeboards have been fixed in place along the banks of the River Gade, designer Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe’s clean, modernist lines can be seen once more.

Silt has been removed from this canalised section of the river as well as the lake to improve water quality. Once water is flowing again, the gardens will look even more complete.

Preparations are being made for the installation of the seven new bridges, which are replicas of the originals, during August and September.

After this, different parts of the new-look gardens will be opened up as soon as they are ready for the public to explore and enjoy.

Councillor Graham Sutton, said: “We will be organising a big celebration to showcase the gardens during the new growing season in 2017.

“As a thank you to the public for their support, everyone will be invited to a Spring Garden Party.”

The work has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund and topped up by investment from the borough council.