History
Originally created in 1980, and named in honour of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, this small, secluded garden is adjacent to Castle Hill Green and has far-reaching views. In addition to this, by public subscription during winter 1980/81, an avenue of eighty trees, mostly beech, was planted along Christy’s Lane in commemoration of the Queen Mother’s eightieth birthday.
The garden comprises of a lawned area with planted trees and borders, as well as benches to pause a while for chatting or reflecting.
2024 Renovation
This tranquil garden was updated in 2024 with the help of various community groups, and thanks to a grant from the Reconnecting with Nature Spaces project.
The project aims to increase biodiversity in small green spaces across Dorset, improving health, wellbeing, and access to nature. It is specifically aimed at local residents with learning disabilities or dementia, helping them to gain better access to outdoor spaces and promoting wellbeing following the pandemic.
Three beautiful benches were handmade in England with sustainable hardwood, to a bespoke specification. Two are ‘chatty benches’: gently curved to encourage garden visitors to spend time together whilst enjoying magnificent views across the garden to the landscape beyond. The L-shaped bench at the end of the pathway enables friends to face each other as they talk, and ensures wheelchair-users can easily join the conversation.
A wide variety of species has been planted to create interest through the seasons, with the aim of including some of The Queen Mother’s favourite flowers, including one bearing her name, African Lily Queen Mum (Agapanthus ‘Queen Mum’), pictured in the header above.
To bring more nature to the garden, bug hotels and hedgehog houses were made by Shaftesbury School in collaboration with the Friends of Breach Common.
Have a look at the new Queen Mother Garden leaflet.
Species to look out for through the seasons
Plant photography © Andrea Jones / Garden Exposures