Agenda item

The Superintendent of West Ham Park & City Gardens to be heard.

The Committee received an update from the Superintendent of City Gardens and noted that the City Garden budget is in line with agreed budget profiles.

Members noted that the annual summer bedding was currently being planted over the coming weeks, nectar rich species have been selected where possible. The Nigel Dunnett scheme on Beech Gardens was complete. The planting consists of 39,000 plants and 18 trees. The planting for the pond had also been designed by Nigel Dunnett and would be installed in July.

The City’s in Bloom campaign was underway. The Friends had recruited volunteers to judge entries for the City wide campaign. Details of how to enter or nominate a garden, project, window box etc. can be found on the City Gardens pages on the website. Judges for London in Bloom are visiting the gardens in early July. Members noted that the Friends were aware of Open Spaces Committee meetings and were welcome to attend the meetings or request agendas if they wished to do so.

As part of the Open Squares Weekend 13/14 June, a diverse range and increase of activities had been planned for the weekend, in partnership with the friends. For the first time, four poets would be in residence in; Postman’s Park, St Dunstan’s in the East, Christchurch Greyfriars garden and Bunhill Fields Burial Ground. The poets would recite and create poetry about the gardens.A number of walks and talks had been organised and will be delivered by City Garden Guides, the Friends of City Gardens and the City Gardens team. Talks would be delivered by John Price, the author of the recently published book about the Watts Memorial; will take place in Postman’s Park on both days.

Resolved – that the update be received.