SAVILL GARDEN

SAVILL GARDEN

This was my second time to the gardens in England in 2007, after the Kew Gardens in 2003.

As the saying goes – 'every garden has their own beauties and they are uncomparable' that is to say – Savill Garden and Kew Gardens are both gardens with their own beauty and history background.

THE SAVILL GARDEN

The Savill Garden is England's finest woodland garden – a domain shady paths and colorful discoveries made up of 35 acres of trees and shrubbery, ponds and streams, lawns, meadows and formal beds are home to some of the world's most decorative plants.

Developed under the patronage of Kings and Queens, The Savill Garden was created by Sir Eric Savill, grand master of the woodland garden, in the 1930s.

Since then, the garden has grown, with the encouragement of the Royal Family, many of whom are keen gardeners. First created in 1986, following a royal visit, the New Zealand Garden re-opens in 2007, re-landscaped, with a larger collection.

In June 2006, the award-winning Savill Building opened it's doors. A remarkable and iconic building, its sweeping wooden roof hovers over the landscape like a giant leaf.

Home to a popular restaurant and shop, it is also the gateway to The Savill Garden, at the eastern edge of Windsor Great Park. The Garden is located about 10 minutes from Windsor Castle.

BUSHES, FLOWERS, TREES AT SAVILL GARDEN

History

The Virginia Water Lake was flooded in the 1750s, and an extensive programme of landscaping begun, on what was previously an area of scrub and sand. In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, the lakeside was adorned with decorative buildings and follies. Vestiges of this regal past can be seen in the Ruins and ornamental Cascade.

In the 20^th century, landscaping work continued under Eric Savill, who cleared and planted The Savill and valley gardens. His successors, the Keepers of the Gardens, followed his footsteps, introducing many new features, including exotic species around the world.

From April 2007, The Crown Estate provides visitors trails to discover The Valley Gardens, including a route for wheelchairs. Trail guides and maps are available at The Savill Building.

To restore and renew the glory of the site, The Crown Estate has launched the Royal Landscape Project – includes woodland management and landscaping, restoration of the monuments, new pathways and signage, and better interpretation of the history for visiting public.

The Valley Gardens can be defined as :

Springtime brings carpets of daffodils and the Azalea display for which The Valley Gardens are famous; Summer is an opportunity to explore the shady pathways valley by valley through exotic shrubbery and Autumn is a riot of color, with beeches, oaks and maples.

AUG 2, 2007