As autumn sets in and winter approaches, work is nearing completion on Robinson’s 50th Anniversary Garden ahead of its official opening next summer when the garden will be in full bloom.

Made possible only through the generous support of our donors, the commemorative garden, designed by Jacq and Wills Landscapes, will offer a peaceful, sensory retreat for our students and the wider College community. The imaginative planting scheme combines the vibrant colours and varied forms of echinacea, salvia and verbena with the soft summer fragrance of roses and jasmine, to create a calming and nurturing space. 

The garden design incorporates curved steel that forms a delicate enclosure around the space, creating a visual and textual contrast to the adjacent woodland. A sweeping path links the Anniversary Garden to Robinson’s woodlands, home to muntjac deer, foxes, rabbits and a wide variety of birdlife. The design also carefully navigates the roots of our giant weeping sequoia, whose curved form provides a striking focal point within the College grounds.

Katharine Cantell, Development Director at Robinson, said: “From its very beginning, Robinson was designed around its beautiful gardens and woodlands. Our unique outdoor spaces have always been valued just as highly as the College buildings themselves. Our 50th Anniversary Garden builds on this tradition, creating a welcoming and tranquil space for our students, Fellows, staff and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.

“We are immensely grateful to our donors, whose generosity has made this special garden possible, and to the project team, whose hard work and dedication has brought the designs to life. We look forward to sharing this wonderful addition to Robinson as we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2027.”

Robinson’s 50th Anniversary Garden will be officially opened at our Anniversary Day celebrations on Saturday 26th June 2027. Find out more and book your space to attend Anniversary Day.