*Historical* This recently discovered photo featuring an ornamental pond and rockery is absolutely stunning. It would have been part of the gardens of the last private owners of The Grove mansion, and possibly laid out by them – though at the time of writing this isn’t clear.
For whatever reason the pond was filled in. Possibly it dried out, or was a health and safety issue. In terms of the planting, was it too costly to maintain?
Sir Samuel Barrow and his wife Lady Florence Mary Palliser were the last private residents of The Grove. They lived there from 1888 to 1920. The Grove house and garden was purchased by the council in 1923 and later made into a public park. The photo is therefore perhaps dated 1920s/1930s.
Would you like to see more planting like this in the area? Does it help people feel relaxed and engage more with the natural environment? Does it help towards the health of the population?
Photographer and source unknown. We try and track down ownership of images but this isn’t always possible. If you can lay claim to this photo please let us know.
be nice to see the lily pond re opened …