The project introduces carefully selected, low-growing plants designed to support pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while remaining visually unobtrusive. Tom Quad’s unadorned simplicity is central to its character, and the project has been designed with that in mind – confining new planting to the gullies so that the lawn and the historic proportions of the space remain unchanged.
Planting for biodiversity begins around Tom Quad
Visitors to Christ Church may have noticed recent gardening activity in Tom Quad, where planting has begun in the gullies around its perimeter. This forms part of a project to enhance biodiversity within the College’s historic landscape.
Christ Church’s Great Quadrangle – better known as ‘Tom Quad’ – is the largest quadrangle in Oxford and has been at the centre of College life for 500 years. Named after the bell ‘Great Tom’ housed in Sir Christopher Wren’s tower, the Quad remains one of the most recognisable spaces in the University.
The new planting brings flowers into Tom Quad for the first time, introducing species chosen for both their resilience and ecological value. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’) and Teucrium × lucidrys (commonly known as ‘germander’) are being planted in a structured layout, with matching groupings in opposite corners to retain the Quad’s traditional symmetry. Their blue-violet and soft pink tones have been selected to complement, rather than compete with, the surrounding architecture.
Steve Howes, Head Gardener at Christ Church, said: ‘They love it hot. They’re not fussy plants, so they don’t need overwatering, which is perfect in Tom Quad.
‘We’ve chosen these plants because they’re really good for wildlife. They really attract pollinators, especially the bees. In Tom Quad, where there’s a monoculture, just lawn, it’s really good to introduce some biodiversity, to encourage and promote wildlife and nature.’
‘Having a bit of colour is going to really bring smiles to people’s faces,’ Steve said.
‘Even during the time when we were planting this morning we could see people having a smile and looking interested in what we’re doing. I think the colour and a bit of scent is going to bring a lot of positivity to what is quite a stark space, especially during the summer months when the grass goes brown.’
‘It’s going to give a different feel to Tom Quad, and I think it will lift people’s spirits.’
The College would like to thank Steve and his team for their hard work and care in delivering this project.
Learn more about our commitment to biodiversity and sustainability at Christ Church.