A year ago Extinction Rebellion dug up the lawn in front of Trinity College in protest at the college’s investment in fossil fuel companies amongst other things. It didn’t go down well with the locals but I didn’t weep over the lawn myself having learnt from Jonathan Franzen’s novel Freedom just how sterile perfect lawns are. During the last year (by coincidence I’m sure) King’s College turned over a huge tract of lawn in front of the chapel to wildflower meadow, the city council has planted wildflower meadows in the parks and other colleges have squeezed in natural planting. It’s taken a long time for Trinity to re-lay the damaged lawn and underneath they have planted 20,000 tiny crocus bulbs. It’s causing quite a stir and the porters were clearly enjoying watching other people enjoy it. A little gift to the city this year as there are no visitors. I did have a little complain about the barriers they’ve erected which meant I had to contort myself to get a decent photo but they blamed XR - if they dig this version up even I will object! I think Isaac Newton’s apple tree will approve and the bees definitely will when they find the crocuses.
Weather: very springlike
Covid: threat level lowered a notch
Good thing: a good few admin jobs ticked off
And I thought my 16 crocus plants from. B&Q would make an Impact!
I am so thrilled to see this lawn looking all the better now for its interference.
FAV
I adore this photo and the narrative. The damaged lawn has made a spectacular comeback. And the Newton apple tree is fabulous. I recently learned that MIT and Occidental College each have a Newton's apple tree grown from apples from the Newton Estate in Lincolnshire.
@peggysirk it is possible to buy them from apple tree suppliers but apparently they’re not good for eating - I don’t really want one in my garden just for sitting under on the off chance...
@judithg I'd like one just for the symbolism to inspire/spark curiosity and creativity. I need a little inspiration...pandemic fog has taken over my brain. Or perhaps it's age. Or both. ☺
I am so thrilled to see this lawn looking all the better now for its interference.
FAV