FOVG Has Now Completed Three Major Projects: FOVG has completed three major projects over the past few years: the creation of the King Edward VII Memorial Gate and gardens at the former Green Park Entrance, the newly renovated Japanese Garden, and the restoration of the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room and creation of the peat garden. We also contributed to the final stages of the restoration of the New Zealand Garden, an effort that was led by Tony Sissons. Click here to download information about this project. We are now considering new ways of improving Valley Gardens. Please contact us with your comments, ideas, and suggestions.
Restoration of the Japanese Garden (opened 17th Oct 2018): Project led by Ann Beeby and Liz Chidlow.
The area originally designated as the Japanese Garden, located just west of the boating pond, was barely recognizable. This project has redesigned the Garden around an expanded stream/pond area to include features and plants of Japanese gardens. The Garden is now open. Please click here to view a video of the opening ceremony that was created as a promotion by Nissan, one of the sponsors of the opening.
To learn more about this project, and to see more photos or the new Garden, please click here.
Creation of the King Edward VII Memorial Gate at the former Green Park Entrance (opened 26th Nov 2018): Project led by David Mason.
Many years ago, one of the pillars at this entrance was lost because of an accident. This project identified a suitable entrance design and has replaced the old entrance. The new entrance and gardens are now open. Please click here for more photos and project status.
Old Magnesia Well Pump Room Information Centre and Gardens (opened 6th Oct 2015): Project led by Jane Blayney.
The concept was to adapt this Grade II listed structure to house a small permanent exhibition about the mineral springs and the development of Valley Gardens. The building required extensive repair. The area around the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room was overgrown and the restoration included appropriate landscaping to create the Old Magnesia Well Gardens.
The Magnesia Well Pump Room in Bogs Field circa. 1860
Magnesia Well Pump Room Before Restoration.
Restored OMWPR and Information Center