In 1964 this area, previously the site of hard tennis courts, was allocated for the use of a genetic garden by Professor Cyril Darlington, (Sherardian Professor of Botany, 1953-1971). This experimental area was used for demonstrating evolutionary processes. Planting includes hybrids with their parent species, graft chimera and plants with different types of foliage variegation.

This herbaceous border is particularly colourful in the summer, and its name indicates its former use. Before the introduction of mechanical mowing equipment, sheep and cattle were grazed in the Parks, a practice which continued until at least 1937, and this area was formerly used to store hay for the livestock.

Added to herbaceous plants, seasonal colour is augmented by a broad range of tender perennials including many species of Salvia.

While maintaining the 70 acres of the Grade II listed University Parks, the team also tends to planting in over 200 sites, including college quads, departmental spaces, and public spaces, and our specialist arborists take care of over 3,500 trees in total!