Several lorry loads of turf, some very careful arrangement of the sods and a lot of diligent whacking and watering – and suddenly College Quad was transformed.
There’s no denying that the refurbishment works to our kitchens and pantry which began a year ago were necessary. You need only read about how our Estates Manager had to perform minor feats of contortionism to keep all the hobs lit during formals to know that. However, it was still sad to lose the use of our beloved Hall last year – and even sadder to lose the Quad. As most readers will know, the main Somerville Quad is the green heart of Somerville College, an oasis of peace and nature for every member of College, far from the stresses of the city.
So, it has been wonderful over the past week and a half to see the contractors come in and – under the expert guidance of Estates Manager Steve Johnson and Head Gardener Sophie Walwin – transform the space back to its splendid prime.
The following gallery gives a good impression of the transformation that occurred, from the dying and desiccated grass back in August to the splendid new lawn today. Now all we have to do is water it and watch it grow…
The old lawn being cleared, August 2021
College Quad entirely cleared of old grass, August 2021
New lawn looking resplendent, September 2021
The new lawn being watered.
