David Weedle, Gardener and Julie Phipps, Senior Gardener

Capel Manor College (Enfield, London 800m from junction 25 of the M25) has marked the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales by planting Lilies in the Diana Memorial Garden in the National Garden Centre (open to the public daily).

It is hoped there will be over 400 Lily flowers open to mark the anniversary of her death on Monday 31st August. Senior Gardener, ‘Julie Phipps’ said
“We are honoured to have one of the official Diana Memorial Gardens here at Capel Manor. It was designed and built by students from the college (which is a charity) and was officially opened by Earl Spencer some years ago.

We always try to do something to commemorate Diana’s birthday and the anniversary of her tragic death and this year we have filled parts of the garden with Lilies as Earl Spencer told s, in a recent letter that these were her favourite flowers.

The garden has been designed to reflect Diana’s work with hospices and provide a quiet peaceful garden where individuals can reflect upon their lives and the impact they can have on others”.

The central feature of the garden is a Rill (representing the river of life) and a Golden Globe (which represents the light Diana spread wherever she undertook public duties).

Notes for editors

• Capel Manor College is often referred to as the country’s leading Horticultural College. It has 3,500 students and is unique amongst colleges in that its main campus and also a renowned visitor attraction (up to 100,00 visitors per year.
• The Diana Memorial Garden was designed and created by students at the College who raised funds for its construction and planting.
  Its naming has been approved by Diana’s family (and as such it is thought to be one of only two ‘official’ memorial gardens. It is often referred to as “the other Diana Memorial Garden” as the main memorial is the Diana Fountain in Hyde Park.
• Julie Phipps is an ex-student of the college who manages the 34 gardens of the Colleges National Garden Centre. This is a “permanent Chelsea Show Exhibit” sponsored by the horticultural industry, Horticultural Trades Association, Institute of Horticulture and Haymarket Publishing to promote good garden design and the horticultural industry in the UK.
• For further details please call Julie Ryan (Customer Services Manager) mobile 07961 387 489.
• Capel Manor College web site is www.capel.ac.uk