RL
1920 1950 1970
HISTORY
In 1950 the ornamental planting displays were very formal and symmetrical. By 1970, they had been removed (see left images).
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The displays were resdesigned in 2000, creating the informal, organic bedding areas,
intersected by new footpaths, which can be seen today (see above images).
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(Ordnance Survey, 2015e)
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The flat site is open and has ornamental plants which are below 1m in height, therefore exposed to sun, wind and rain.
There is some shelter from prevailing south-westerly wind by the woodland edge (see aerial photos).
Drainage is better than woodland as the sunlight can evaporate surface water.
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Ornamental Planting Location
DRAINAGE
The site is relatively flat (see image). Most surface water is evaporated or taken up by the plants. However, the drainage is impeded by the soil conditions (see below).
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(Ordnance Survey, 2015b)
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MICROCLIMATE
ORNAMENTAL PLANTING LOCATION
As the site is relatively open, views extend beyond the gardens to the farmyard (north), the farm buildings (east), the grass fields (south) and the woodland and pond (west).
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Intensive views include the footpaths, informal shaped bedding displays and the grass fields that separate these.
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ECOLOGY
INTENSIVE/EXTENSIVE VIEWS
MAINTENANCE & USE
SOILS
The underlying soil is freely draining, slightly acidic and sandy. It has a low fertility and carbon content. This was evident as there was poor drainage and saturated ground surrounding the ornamental planting.
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The topsoil was sandy with minimal clay to ensure that water drains quickly to be uptaken by the plants. However, these soils dry out quickly, are poor in nutrients and are very acidic.
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(British Geological Survey, 2015a)
There is alot of park maintenance carried out in this area to care for the ornamental plants, and to ensure vibrant displays in this popular area within the park. Throughout my site visits there was evident removal of winter bedding displays, mulching and weed control. Pruning (heading and thinning) was also witnessed, removing old/diseased/damage wood to promote new growth and flowering.
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This area is a popular spot within Heaton Park for a range of visitors. Many families pass through this area as they access the farm. Owing to its central positioning, the ornamental planting is a popular area for people to relax, pass through or enjoy a picnic; hence the need for a high level of management.
