Wimbledon 2025 Preparations
As Wimbledon gears up for the prestigious 2025 tournament, its head gardener, Martyn Falconer, is diligently preparing the grounds at the All England Club. Falconer, who has devoted a quarter-century to maintaining the lush surroundings of the iconic venue—11 years in his current leadership role—revealed his appreciation for rain. While inclement weather often disrupts the tournament schedule, it serves a vital function in preserving the vibrant floral displays that define Wimbledon.
Floral Arrangements and Aesthetics
This year’s preparations involve the careful placement of 27,000 newly sourced plants in addition to the existing flora already gracing the grounds. Featuring an array of hydrangeas and petunias in shades of blue, purple, and white, the gardens are adorned with hanging baskets and colorful borders, complemented by climbing Boston ivy elegantly draping the walls of Centre Court.
Wimbledon’s ambiance promises a blend of tennis and English garden aesthetics. Falconer oversees a core team of ten gardeners and two apprentices, which swells by an additional ten as the tournament’s opening day approaches on June 30. Right now, as their workload intensifies, Falconer is focused on ensuring the venue is visually striking for the thousands of expected attendees.
“We’re determined to maintain a beautiful presentation for everyone visiting,” he stated.
After the tournament starts, the gardening team will shift to daily tasks that include watering, maintenance, and deadheading, ensuring everything remains in stellar condition throughout the event. Given the high foot traffic, the horticulture team is prepared with a stockpile of spare plants to replace any specimens that may suffer damage from the eager crowds. Falconer humorously noted,
“We find quite a few guests choosing to sit on the planters, but we have systems in place to refresh our plants quickly.”
Tradition and Color Schemes
Tradition plays a pivotal role in selecting color schemes for Wimbledon’s gardens, though the team embraces some creative liberties. The hallmark colors of green, purple, and white are complemented by softer pastel tones such as pink and yellow, steering clear of any overly vibrant choices. Falconer emphasized the importance of an English garden aesthetic, saying,
“We’re aiming for a serene palette that harmonizes well with the surroundings.”
Plans for the floral arrangements are meticulously crafted months in advance, requiring early planting to ensure healthy growth by tournament time. The gardening crew is constantly assessing the performance of plant varieties to maintain a dynamic and colorful environment.
Challenges and Ongoing Maintenance
With climate fluctuations affecting the growing conditions—particularly a spell of warmer, drier weather leading up to the event—Falconer faces challenges in preserving the gardens’ beauty, saying,
“For me, I’m often found wishing for a bit of rain.”
Meanwhile, Falconer knows that caring for the expansive 42-acre site is an ongoing endeavor.
“After the final fan departs post-tournament, we shift gears but the work doesn’t stop. There’s continual maintenance, from pruning and hedge-cutting to preparing for the following spring,” he explained.
Despite the relentless pressure, Falconer finds joy in his role as he watches the fruits of their labor unfold, stating,
“There truly is nothing like it. The moment the gates open and the public filters in, it feels like the culmination of our efforts, yet we’re already contemplating the next round of work ahead.”
