As part of the Sainsbury Laboratory project, Bradley-Hole Schoenaich Landscape Architects were commissioned to create a new landscape for Cory Lawn that connects the existing landscape, Cory Lodge and the Sainsbury Laboratory.
The new scheme retained and enclosed the existing lawn and sloping flanks with blocks of Taxus baccata (yew), and perennial plantings to provide year-round interest. In the winter months carpets of Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop) and Pulmonaria saccharata add low-growing colour. This is quickly followed by Camassia leichtlinii, the deep blue of Iris ‘Sable’ and Helleborus argutifolius ‘Silver Lace’. In the summer months interest is provided by colourful species including Geranium ‘Patricia’, Salvia x sylvestris ‘Caradonna’ and Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kleine Silberspinne’.
As autumn commences all will fade and decline to offer skeletal forms to pave the way for the first flowers of winter. A mature specimen of Catalpa speciosa is incorporated into the design of the landscape here, while table-top specimens of Tilia henryana provide shade on the adjacent cafe terrace.
Cory Lodge was built in 1924-25 with money given to the University by the Garden’s benefactor Reginald Cory. It was originally built as the home of the Garden’s Directors, but today is used as offices. The Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University was funded by the Gatsby Foundation, and was officially opened in 2011. The Laboratory is home to scientists who are working to understand how plants grow and develop, which is fundamental for the long term security of a sustainable supply of food and other plant products, such as fuel, fibres and building materials.