In 1964, an area of 0.15ha adjacent to the Science Area was fenced off to create the Genetic Garden. This was the vision of Professor Cyril Darlington, Sheridan Professor of Botany from 1953 to 71.
Darlington started thinking about creating a Genetic Garden almost as soon as he arrived in Oxford in 1953. His original intention was to create an outdoor facility for teaching and research at the Oxford Botanic Garden, but this was rejected by the OBG Curators. He asked the University for space to create a garden funded and maintained by the Botany Department, and was given the space to the rear of 9/10 South Parks Road. This was planted in 1957, and was developing well when the University decided to demolish the houses to make way for a new science building.
Darlington approached the Curators of the University Parks about relocating the garden, and, after some negotiation, they agreed to surrender a tennis court behind the Botany glasshouses in the Science Area. In 1964, this was fenced off, to be accessed only from the Science Area and used only for teaching; it was maintained by Botany. The new garden was laid out in formal beds, with groups of plants arranged in relation to areas of interest for teaching and research.
In 1998, the Genetic Garden was redesigned, replanted and opened up to visitors. Mature trees and shrubs planted in 1964 were retained, and herbaceous plants and bulbs from Darlington’s 1964 scheme were replanted, although laid out in an informal style. Other plants of (then) more recent genetic interest were added.
After another 25 years, the Genetic Garden again needs to be recreated, taking account of developments in plant genetics. Over the past two years, the Parks Superintendent has worked with a group of eight botanists and biochemists to produce an entirely new plan for a garden that will provide teaching space for undergraduates, and an illustration of interesting plant genetics for visitors, including children.
This is an exciting project. Expect to see major changes in this part of the University Parks – at the gate to the Science Area off South Walk – from the autumn onwards. As the garden matures, you will be able to learn interesting facts about hybridisation and plant breeding, genetic variation and the environment, grafting, and what plants can do and still survive when things go wrong.
We will keep you informed about progress in the quarterly newsletters and through temporary information signs on the site.
