The Gardens within Ashley Gardens located on Thirleby Road have long been a special place for a time, predating the building of the present mansion blocks. Indeed, as judged from their girth, our two Plane trees, one English and the other Spanish, appear to have been planted in the late 18″ or early 19t century. There is a third notable tree, the Pagoda or Scholars tree, in the centre of the garden, this huge tree is a rarity, ours only flowers after a really hot summer. The presence of two artesian wells, which still retain their Victorian pumps, ensured that the area was not built on.
The Westminster City Council Conservation Audit describes our garden “as contributing positively to the area, providing an attractive combination of plants and contributing to biodiversity” classing it as a “Enclosed botanical garden on Thirleby Road. Replanting with less common and unusual shade tolerant shrubs and small trees that add interest and diversity through the seasons. We aim to enhance Ashley Gardens as a special space justifying Westminster’s recognition of the gardens as a Botanical Garden. We continue to plant seasonal bedding twice a year to add colour and vibrancy, this takes place every spring and autumn.
The garden is a valuable common asset to the Cathedral Conservation Area, providing for the absorption of CO2 and providing a rare green space in the centre of London, helping to enrich all our lives. The garden is maintained by very dedicated contract gardeners, funded by a grant from Ashley Gardens Freehold Ltd, and (pro rata) Block 10 Ashley Gardens Ltd. This provides for fortnightly visits.
The gardens are narrow and there is only one winding path along the ridge, with steep slopes. It is a very different experience viewing the garden from within, than what one would expect from viewing seeing it from the street.
Talking about the garden it would not be complete without mentioning Jo Alice Wedgwood, whose enthusiasm and energy, revived the garden in the 1980’s from what was then a waste land. Jo passed away in November 2017, but we remember her and continue to enjoy her legacy. In her memory and to celebrate her work we have planted six specimens of the pink Wedgwood Rose, they are supported by two obelisks, with the plaque in Jo’s honour between them.