Explore the botanical legacy of our grounds – including historical tree guides, the impact of Dutch elm disease, commemorative royal plantings, and ongoing work to enhance plant diversity year-round.
Background
When the University acquired the land in the 1850s, the local timber consisted almost entirely of wild elm and willow. Over the past 160 years, dedicated superintendents and curators have transformed the estate into a rich, living arboretum – navigating disease and climate challenges, celebrating historic milestones, and continually expanding plant diversity.
Victorian era
The initial planting in the 1860s was directed by William Baxter, Superintendent of the Botanic Garden, alongside Reverend T H Hopkins of Magdalen College. In December 1867, 28 trees and interplanted shrubs were established at 100-foot intervals along the northern boundary to create a dedicated winter garden. By 1889, Baxter’s first official inventory recorded a thriving collection of over 400 species of trees and shrubs across the grounds.
The impact of Dutch elm disease
Over the decades disease and the effect of storms and drought have taken their toll. In the 1930s the Curators were alarmed by the presence of Ceratocystis ulmi in the locality - Dutch elm disease was about to dramatically affect the landscape.
An extensive collection of elms, comprising more than 20 different varieties, were then flourishing in the Parks. Over the next 50 years almost all were to be felled, mostly in the 1970s. In the gaps which were created many fine semi-mature trees are now developing.
The impact of Dutch elm disease
Over the decades disease and the effect of storms and drought have taken their toll. In the 1930s the Curators were alarmed by the presence of Ceratocystis ulmi in the locality - Dutch elm disease was about to dramatically affect the landscape.
An extensive collection of elms, comprising more than 20 different varieties, were then flourishing in the Parks. Over the next 50 years almost all were to be felled, mostly in the 1970s. In the gaps which were created many fine semi-mature trees are now developing.
Photographs dating from the 1930s show the existence of flower borders, rose beds and a small ornamental goldfish pond near to the North Lodge Gate.
A handbook prepared in 1936 by Mr Harvey Dunkley indicated that many of the trees listed by Baxter in the 1880s had not survived. The introduction to this guide records the existence of over a thousand individual trees and gives notes on the more interesting or conspicuous specimens, numbering about 250 different varieties including a large number of elms, some of which were already infected with Dutch elm disease.
In 1953 the Curators published a second guide, on the centenary of the setting up of the Parks. This was superseded in 1977 by the last formal publication. Unfortunately, almost half of the trees listed in 1977 have been lost as a result of disease, drought or storm damage.
Reshaping the treeline
A group of trees was planted in 1953 to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Further trees were added here in 1977 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee, along with a circle of ten Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) north of the cricket field.
In 1989 a number of oaks were planted along Middle Walk to replace an avenue of elms. Smaller ornamental trees such as Malus (apples), Prunus (cherries) and Sorbus (rowans and whitebeams) were planted between the oaks in 1993. As these are quick to mature, they provide short term interest and colour in this area.
Recent planting
Over the last 25 years, planting efforts have significantly expanded the diversity of the living collection. Large displays of bulbs build upon early 1930s plantings, while expanded shrub and herbaceous borders designed to complement the Oxford Botanic Garden ensure year-round colour and botanical interest for visitors.