The Gardens of Deans Court

The gardens of Deans Court form as much a part of the social fabric of the community as the internal communal spaces - such as the common room, dining room, and libraries - do. On a daily basis they are a popular place for those seeking to read or relax outdoors, and are of course the venue for all garden parties, barbecues, Crichton Cup tournaments, and croquet games. In recent years, they are also a source of food and an opportunity to connect with the environment, with the addition of the vegetable garden.

Beyond their convivial and functional uses, however, they also form a part of the history of Deans Court, with old features in the walls, and are a home and highway to the various creatures that also call Deans Court home alongside the human residents.

Main Building

The main garden is, of course, the scene of many a garden party, BBQ, and croquet match. It has additional features, however, which can quite easily be overlooked - such as the gifted trees, and the bee boles in the walls.

North Street

The North Street garden is perhaps one of the more under-utilised of Deans Court's outdoor spaces. Spacious and private, it is also shared with the young families that also live in North Street.

The Side Garden

The side garden has undergone a variety of changes in recent years, but it is notable for the fact that it is home to an ornate stone bee bole. Although the exact age of this is not dated, it is a fine feature of the garden, and one that invites a great deal of curiosity.

Vegetable Garden

Established in 2016, with the aid of Transition and Edible Campus, the community vegetable garden has become a wonderful source of fresh and organic produce for residents, as well as an excellent study break for fortnightly gardening sessions.

The Animal Residents

The gardens are home to a diverse range of British wildlife. Apart from sufficient birds to delight your average amateur ornithologist, Deans Court is also home to a group of bats, the occasional red squirrel, and Horace the hedgehog.