Christmas at Liverpool Cathedral for its Constant Gardener

Christmas at Liverpool Cathedral is is a time for renewed hopes, people coming together, wearing their best to celebrate the year's close and give thanks.

In a time of Covid, many restrictions apply to the most taken-for-granted traditions and celebration of family. For the landscape gardening company which maintains the UNESCO World Heritage site, the annual dressing of the Cathedral precincts continues as it has done for over a decade.

North West Landscapes Ltd marks the beginning of the festive Christmas season at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral by hanging our famous wreathe on the large West doors of the Cathedral. At 2 meters wide when dressed, the wreathe scales well to the imposing west doors. The wreathe has been popular talking point, getting coverage in the local Liverpool Echo newspaper and mentioned on Roger Phillips' BBC Radio Merseyside daytime show.

For Managing Director of North West Landscapes Ltd, David Laitak, the wreathe symbolises something close to his heart. Pride in his city and its heritage. The Cathedral is a great tourist attraction as well as a place of worship. He feels strongly that the city's attributes are maintained to the highest standards. It's not simply about maintaining landscapes, but "exceeding specifications, improving the sites" that he manages.

How Did the Wreathe Come About?

The wreathe idea first came about in discussion with Cathedral staff in 2010. We talked about ways of enhancing the site's appearance for visitors. The cathedral draws a significant number of tourist visitors to the city. We suggested a large wreathe on the west doors. The cathedral staff were keen on the idea. We were asked to look at options.

Design Challenge

The main issue with designing a wreathe that would look good on the great oak entrance doors to the cathedral is weight.  To support such a large wreathe display, the supporting structure had to be strong enough to ensure the display does not sag or collapse under the 25kg load. It originally took 8 men to place it in position. Nowdays we have it down to a fine art.  The West facing doors of the cathedral demand a floral display that can stand proof against the biting winds and rain typically coming off the river in winter.

The solution was to commission a steel fabricator to design a stainless steel armature to support a floral display. From the beginning the wreathe has proven a very popular photo opportunity. Every year we refresh the display.

Sir Giles Gilbert Scott Memorial

We also refresh the Sir Giles Gilbert Scott memorial floral display with new winter cyclamens. It's a tribute to the architect of the Cathedral who is famous for also designing the classic red phone box and the famous Batttersea Power Station. Scott's work is known for its blending of Gothic style with Modernism. While the area is not large, it does occupy  a strip of land immediately adjacent to the main entrance thoroughfare to the cathedral. The lip of grass bordered by pavement points directly to the entrance doors. It gives visitors a crisp impression with the grass neatly mown and edged.

The display uses a mix of magentas, vermilion, pinks and whites. It is one of the first welcomes to visitors who arrive at the Cathedral precincts. As they make their way to the great west doors of the cathedral, they pass the nativity scene depicting the Magi with Christ. We dress the scene with fresh straw and conifer branches on the roof. These additions add to the effect of the tableau.

Adapting to Covid

During lockdown, the Cathedral has been closed to visitors. However, external grounds maintenance still has to continue. Adapting to social distancing restrictions, we've had to limit vehicle use to one staff member per vehicle. 

We normally source all our plants from locally run family businesses. Covid restrictions and lockdowns have impacted our local suppliers this year. These family run businesses have reduced their usual stock levels given the reduced demand arising from lockdowns. This year we were forced to outsource from the Netherlands and Belgium.

The cyclamen display will last toward the end of January, early February.  We will then refresh the display with yellow primulas for Easter.