Devonfield Gardens was established as a communal garden area at the same time as the surrounding property development c.1910-12. In an area of few private gardens, Devonfield Gardens provide an attractive communal horticultural amenity including over seventy trees of which many were early mature ornamental cherry. In an area of few public green spaces Devonfield Garden is much appreciated by the local community and Friends group who are enthusiastically committed to developing this small yet valued site in the northern suburbs of the city.
The original Garden design has changed very little, although a regrettable change has been the loss of elm trees from the Gardens and neighbouring roads owing to Dutch elm disease. Another imposed change was the introduction of an air raid shelter which remains beneath the Gardens.
Shrub and herbaceous beds, and two circular island beds surrounded by lawns, have been planted partly as community projects. The resurgence of interest where residents are taking an active part in the development of the garden is seen in the number of events organised to celebrate the renaissance of the garden.
Over the last few years, we have organised some events in these gardens, in partnership with the local residents association. We held a Summer Pops event in the park and have held open air Carol Services, which have been well attended and enjoyed by people from the local area and by people from the Church.