Our gardens
Our beautiful gardens, which are informal in keeping with the College's modern and relaxed feel, stretch across 14 acres. The colours and scents change with the seasons, and the wild areas are havens for birds, deer, foxes and other wildlife.
We encourage our students to enjoy the gardens and, in contrast to most colleges, students and all in our community are welcome to walk on the grass and pick flowers and herbs. In 2007 we were the first Cambridge college to take part in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Our garden, the Transit of Venus, won the Bronze Flora medal in the Chic Garden category.
The College is built in the grounds of The Orchard, a large house part-owned by Nora Barlow, granddaughter of Charles Darwin and a distinguished plantswoman. Beech trees, fruit trees and shrubs from that time are still in the gardens today.
It was Dame Rosemary Murray, our first President, who planned and planted the gardens around the College in an informal style. The herbaceous border at the end of the Library was her particular favourite and this area is now known as the Rosemary Murray Garden.
What's on
On Tuesdays there is a volunteer group – run by gardener Keith. People can drop by for an hour or so to help us – it’s fun and informative.
The gardening team also run workshops and events with the students. This might be things like house plant care, flower arranging or simply sowing seeds – check out the timetable below for upcoming events – students can come by for 5 minutes, half an hour or whatever suits and bring friends if they like.
The JCR and MCR Green Officers help to promote and organise the workshops – if you want to find out how to get involved please get in touch.
jcr-green@murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk
mcr-green@murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk
Got any suggestions about things we can do? Please let us know.
Meet our knowledgeable gardeners at 11am at Porters Lodge at the front of college - they'll take you on an informal, yet informative tour of the gardens. No need to book, just turn, and you're welcome to bring a friend.
From 12 until 2pm - come and meet our team of friendly gardeners at the community area by Pearl House. No need to book and you're welcome to bring a friend.
4 November 12-2pm - Come and join us in the Emma Darwin Greenhouse to learn about essential house plant care.
25 November 12-2pm - Get crafty and have some festive fun in the Post-Grad Common Room, Canning + Eliza
Volunteer group – run by gardener Keith. People can drop by for an hour or so to help us – it’s fun and informative.
Cambridge University Botanic Gardens
All University of Cambridge students also have free access to the Botanic Gardens - Find out what's on Welcome to Cambridge University Botanic Garden - Find Out More
Have a look at their adult trails to discover more about plants and science and explore their courses and also workshops designed specifically for university students.
The Plant Explainer programme offers students the chance to volunteer at Garden events and drop-in sessions. If you’re passionate about plants and interested in gaining experience in science communication, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact the Higher Education Coordinator at education@botanic.cam.ac.uk to find out more about the programme.
I love the variety of green spaces and rich wildlife. From foxes, deer and bee orchids to woodpeckers and warblers, they all enrich the life of the college
The fact that the gardens are so beautiful and there's so much greenery around allows this element of wellness and of home