Saturday 10 January 2015

Avery Hill Winter Garden

Recently I heard that Greenwich University is planning on selling its Mansion House site, including its Victorian Winter Garden - which I didn't realise until now is actually the second largest hot house in the UK after Kew.

I have very fond memories of visiting the Winter Garden many times as a child, probably so my mum could get us out of the house for a bit on a Saturday, and being enthralled by the exotic plants - there was a banana tree! Although it's not quite as grand as I remember, I still enjoy visiting it a few times a year.

So last Sunday, on a foggy morning, we decided to pay a visit and take some photos of the Winter Garden in all its dilapidated glory.

Victorian Avery hill winter garden in the fog, Eltham, London


cacti and aloe vera

succulents

Victorian glasshouse roof with palm trees


Plants reclaiming the old brickwork


pond with statue of reclining lady


glasshouse roof, avery hill winter gardens, eltham, london


macro shot of dew beads on leaves

grey squirrel in a tree

It would be a tragedy if we were to lose this historic site and, if anyone reads this blog, I urge you to show your support for the Winter Gardens by joining this facebook page or visiting www.averyhillpark.org.uk where you can find information about public meetings.

3 comments :

  1. wow Sian your photos are amazing I especially love the one with the raindrops on the leaves! Too bad I didn't get the chance to visit this when I lived in London last year.

    Jo from saycheesycake.blogspot.com
    Drop by anytime and let's connect :-)

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  2. Hi Sian,
    Thanks for your post and stunning photos and especially for promoting the Friends of Avery Hill Park website and FB page. That particular Saturday was very cold and wet, there had been a frost in the morning and it was raining by lunch time. I went there to take some photos for the website and record the condition of the building and it was really hard to get some creative energy going.

    The Friends group will be meeting with the University very soon to get the facts and to understand the background to the sale. After that we'll have a public meeting to inform everyone, let people share their concerns and hopefully reassure everyone that with concerted effort the future for the Winter Gardens will be protected. We'll keep in touch!

    Kind regards,
    Trevor Davies
    FAHP Website and Social Media

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Trevor for the kind words. I'm telling anyone who will listen about the Winter Gardens! It really is a beautiful place and I wish you all the best in protecting it, Sian

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