The Central Gardens are just across Bournemouth square from the Lower Gardens. They are much quieter but are also
generally well manicured, some areas are left uncut for periods to encourage particular varieties of wild plant to
flourish. About fifty yards into the garden is a pergola fashioned from reclaimed material from the Sovereign
Centre redevelopment in Boscombe. This area of the Central Gardens was described in a 1910 travel guide
("Bournemouth: 1810-1910. The History of a Modern Health and Pleasure Resort. by Mate and Riddle) as a "veritable paradise".
Ever since the immediate area has been locally known as "The Paradise Garden". Further into the gardens is the Bournemouth
War Memorial which was erected in 1921. Nearby are plaques relating to trees planted various dignitaries over the years.
This area is directly across the road from Bournemouth Town Hall.
Bournemouth Central Gardens near Bournemouth Square Notice the huge Gunnera on the river bank.
The lease to these gardens was acquired from the Meyrick Estate during the late 1860's. After the Lower Gardens were laid out
to a design by Mr P.H. Tree in the early 1870's, Bournemouth council followed a similar gardenesque style as made popular by
J.C. Louden for these gardens. Today, while they are much quieter than the Lower Gardens, they are just as pretty. A regime of
selective area grass cutting has been adopted to allow certain species to flourish while ensuring there are areas for
picnicking and recreation.
Rare and unusual trees in Bournemouth Central Gardens
Bournemouth Central Gardens contain some really quite bizarre tree species, many of them over 100 years old and originally
planted during the establishment of the Central Gardens in the 1870's. While the small river is still coursed it does
have a more natural feel with water weed growing and trailing in the current. Several Weeping willows overhang the river
making for picturesque picnicking nearby. The top (furthest from the sea) of the Central Gardens is occupied by the
Bournemouth Tennis Centre which has eight full tennis courts and two half courts
Looking downstream near the top of Bournemouth Central Gardens.
