Anniversary Gardens in WGC blooms with new landscaping

This second phase of the project began in early spring and included new planting and the extension of the gardens. In April, a new pathway and beech hedge were also added to enhance the layout and accessibility.

The new planting complements the original design introduced during the first phase of the project in 2022, which coincided with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Featuring ornamental grasses and prairie-style plants such as Achillea and Rudbeckia, the gardens provide long-lasting summer and autumn colour while supporting pollinators. This style of planting is sustainable and will develop as the garden matures over time. During the winter, plants such as snowberry will provide winter interest.

As part of the works, three circular rose beds were replaced with fresh landscaping. The roses previously in these beds - ‘Rosa Welwyn Garden Glory’, with its strongly fragranced apricot flowers, and ‘Rosa Austrava' (Fighting Temeraire), known for its deep pink blooms and fruity blackcurrant scent - were carefully relocated to the Parkway Flower Borders earlier this year to ensure their continued long-term display.

Cllr Sandreni Bonfante, Executive Member, Environment, said:

“The Anniversary Gardens have been a great asset to the town centre since the transformation began three years ago, creating a beautiful backdrop and tranquil setting which can be enjoyed by the whole community. It not only enables wildlife to thrive through its carefully designed areas for pollinating insects but also contributes to creating a vibrant, welcoming town centre. I would like to thank everyone involved in this project.”