Jesus Green Lido gardening group have been busy in April and May planning and planting around the pool so that it looks its best as centenary celebrations begin.
Nettles, brambles and bindweed have been cleared from the two large flower beds – one by the men’s showers and the other between the ladies’ showers and the pump room. These have been planted with a mix of grasses and perennials to provide colour and interest during the summer and autumn.
Climbing rose and honeysuckle have been sent scrambling up the two dead cherry trees, which we’re hoping will be replaced later this year; hanging baskets – funded by the Friends of Jesus Green Lido every year – have returned; and new planters will soon appear around the pool.
“I’m loving being a part of the recently formed gardening group at the lido; there’s a great sense of camaraderie and it feels good to be doing something tangible towards the centenary celebrations and beyond,” says Sylvia, who has swum at Jesus Green for 15 years and celebrated her 50th birthday at the lido.
“The gardening project has come at just the right time for me; I’ve been a professional gardener and planting designer for 15 years, and although I retired recently, I’m still very keen to be involved with all things horticultural, increasingly from the angle of encouraging biodiversity.”
In the autumn, the gardening group is planning a bonanza of bulb planting so that spring 2024 – when the lido begins its second century – is heralded by a host of golden daffodils; beside the pool, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze!
Thanks to all the green-fingered swimmers and lido lifeguard Kane, who started the group. If you’re keen to join, get in touch with the Friends or speak to or email Kane.