South Park Gardens, Wimbledon SW19

Planned Works

This is what was done to restore South Park Gardens to its former glory:

• Diseased, dying and unwanted trees were removed from the Gardens to open up the vistas and retain the best specimens.

• The borders were dug over and compost introduced to improve the soil quality.

• New shrubs were planted in the borders and new trees planted in agreed sites throughout the Gardens (some by the 4 local primary schools – see Schools page.)

• Paths were dug up and old materials removed from the site. Some of the waste material was re-used in accordance with our policies on conservation, recycling and sustainability.

• A mini-beast sanctuary was created in the northeast corner of the Gardens.

• ‘Soft spots’ and underground drainage issues were dealt with and tree roots protected or re-routed prior to the paths being resurfaced.

• New path surfaces were laid.

• The fountain was removed for restoration and later re-installed.

• The horse trough was cleaned up and re-sited very close to its old position.

• New benches were installed.

• New waste bins and dog-waste bins were installed.

• Notice boards were sited inside the two main gates at Trinity and Dudley Roads.

• New kick rails were installed around certain flowerbeds.

• A wild flower meadow was created around the large cedar tree in the northeast corner of the Gardens.

• New trellising was erected to screen the gardeners’ mess room.

• A new fence was installed to the gardeners’ compound.

• A security fence was added in the northeast corner at a point that was regularly used by people climbing over the railings at night.

• The central flowerbeds were planted with a mixture of shrubs and flowers.

About Hortech - the contractors

See Enlarged version

Hortech is a specialist landscaping company which was established in 1987. It started as a grounds maintenance company in the Midlands, then expanded into landscaping and has grown to a UK wide company with two nurseries, seven regional offices and a turnover of £11m. Hortech Landscapes started working with Balfour Beattie on the prestigious Battersea Park refurbishment five years ago and has since undertaken a number of Heritage Lottery funded jobs including projects at Southwark Park, Maurice Lea Memorial Park Derby and several others. This experience in restoration projects in heritage parks made the company an excellent choice for the South Park Gardens refurbishment.