Established in 2008, the Knoll Gardens Foundation is tasked with achieving a better understanding of the relationship between Knolls naturalistic style, the gardens wildlife and the wider environment. Working to the motto of “Look, learn and share”, the foundation believes that through the ongoing observation of their garden, plants and associated wildlife, they will achieve a better understanding of the principles and processes that create a healthy and biodiverse garden environment. The information from which, they share with others.
The foundation also donates grasses to community groups, such as to the Kingston Maurward College and Wimborne Community Garden. Knoll Gardens Foundation Chair, Rowena Jecock, said “Supporting and engaging with fellow gardeners is an important part of the Foundation’s work. We are very pleased to have helped the development of these gardens and hope the plants we have donated will bring years of lasting interest and pleasure, as well as contributing valuable wildlife habitats.”
At Kingston Maurward College, students designed and created a winter moon garden, aimed to lift the spirits even in the coldest months. The display, injects colour on the darkest days by the inclusion of stems, berries and winter flowering shrubs, which star alongside striking ornamental grasses donated by the foundation. Grasses, hold their seeds and provide movement and interest over the long winter months.
Rebecca Bourdon, Horticultural Teacher at Kingston Maurward College said, “The heart of our new winter garden had to be grasses, so our horticultural students enjoyed an inspirational visit to Knoll Gardens. Under the expert guidance of Neil (Neil Lucas, Knoll Gardens), they made plant selections that performed brilliantly within only a few months of planting.”
The Wimborne Community Garden has a sensory garden, designed by the garden’s volunteers which is a space for mutual growth and benefit. The community garden is associated with Beaucroft College, which caters young people who are experiencing learning difficulties, including complex needs.
“We were thrilled with the design of the sensory garden and delighted that Neil Lucas came to visit, saw the plan and offered support with numerous, glorious and varied grasses, that it all blossomed into life. Now our sensory garden, with its magical grasses which create movement and a sense of possible adventure, is not only a favourite place with our student friends but we also find many of our elderly visitors opt to sit in this area and enjoy its calming atmosphere,” explained Jane Benson, Wimborne Community Garden.
Community groups interested in working with the Knoll Gardens Foundation are encouraged to get in touch with them – details on the website.