Dean Garnier Garden

At the weekend, I visited Winchester and explored some places I hadn't been to before.  I stumbled across the beautifully peaceful Dean Garnier Garden which stands in the shadows of Winchester Cathedral. 

Side view of Winchester Cathedral

The garden is on the site of the monk's dorter or dormitory of the former Catherdral Priory of St Swithun.  The garden is named after Thomas Garnier who was Dean of Winchester from 1840 -1872 and who was a founding member of the Hampshire Horticultural Society.

Plaque commemorating Thomas Garnier

Whilst in this garden I spotted a very distinctive and unexpected symbol.  The green triangle suggested to me that the object it was attached to was recycled and probably recyclable.

The familiar green recycling triangle

The bench marked with the triangle

The bench is made of recycled plastics making it a sustainable in a couple of ways.  Not only has it diverted materials from ending up in landfill, but also it is maintenance free, unlike a wooden bench.  The plastic bench, likely to be made of HDPE (high density Polyethylene) will not absorb water, rot, crack or warp, and will not produce splinters.  It is just as attractive as a wooden bench would be and so provides a comfortable place to enjoy the garden and commemorate loved ones.

Bench plaque commemorating Alfred Hazell King, Mary Eileen King, and John Hazell King.

If you are in Winchester I would certainly recommend a visit to this lovely garden which I can imagine is even more beautiful in the spring and summer as it was on a bright, January Sunday. 

Dean Garnier Garden

Louise Dennis (Assistant Curator)