A wave of nautically inspired planting will start soon in Cutty Sark Gardens. In a nod to the iconic maritime monument, the reimagined planting is inspired by the clipper's global voyages. Using a tidal motif, each bed will represent different regions and trade routes travelled by the Cutty Sark, guiding visitors on a sensory journey which mimics a miniature trip from international ports back to London.
A council spokesperson said: "Greenwich is a UNESCO destination visited by millions of people each year and Cutty Sark Gardens is a hugely popular spot. This innovative approach means we can pay homage to the clipper's unique heritage whilst creating a lasting and beautiful public space that can be enjoyed all year long.”
The first phase, due to start this week, will see the planters closest to the riverside being dug up, the soil replaced and then replanted with hardier perennial plants. These works will happen thanks to £110,000 investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a grant given to councils to revitalise town centres. The redevelopment was designed by Exterior Architecture, who carried out a community consultation session in October last year.
The second phase is due to start on 27 April, which will see remedial works being carried out to the planters above the underground carpark to waterproof these. Again, this will entail plant bed excavation, soil replacement, and replanting.
It is estimated that the first phase will take six weeks and the second phase up to four weeks, so the completion of both will coincide. Phase one will be limited to preparatory work, such as site inspections and soil testing, before this Sunday (26 April) to minimise any disruption to the London Marathon. It is expected that fencing will be erected shortly afterwards for site works to begin.