The Garden

The MERL garden was opened to the public in May 2007. It provides a peaceful haven in the centre of Reading. It is also a safe, enclosed environment for children to play in and explore.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy the garden, which includes herbaceous borders of medicinal, culinary, and multi-purpose plants in addition to lawns, wild flowers and trees.

The garden features several custom-made pieces including a Pondlife bench made by sustainable furniture maker, Philip Koomen and 6 grown-furniture stools, planted in March 2008 by furniture maker Chris Cattle.

 

* New* White borders

As part of the Museum's 60th anniversary celebrations in 2011, garden volunteer Tony Hales has designed beautiful white borders, inspired by the white gardens at Sissinghurst which were created for the Festival of Britain in 1951.

See more pictures on our album on Facebook (You don't have to have a Facebook profile to see these pictures)

 

Garden activities 

• Traditional children's garden games are now available in the garden. Play croquet, quoits, skittles and more.
• Picnic tables are also available
• Many of our family events and activities are inspired by the garden, including trails and workshops. Find out more on our holiday family events

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funding

The Museum is very grateful to the Ernest Cook Trust for seed funding for the post of Environmental Learning Officer and the MERL Garden Project.