Bournemouth's blooming brilliant Victorian garden wows judges

WINNERS: The team with their award-winning garden at Hampton Court WINNERS: The team with their award-winning garden at Hampton Court

A VERY Victorian Fantasy won over the judges at the prestigious Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and earned Bournemouth council a silver gilt award.

It was the first time that Bournemouth’s parks and gardens department had entered the flower show and they were delighted to come back with one of the top honours.

The Victorian-themed garden is split in two – one half reflecting the Victorian Gothic history of Bournemouth, the other the lighter, sunnier side of the town, inspired by the Art Nouveau works of Aubrey Beardsley.

Beautiful willow fairy and demon sculptures tower over the garden, created by sculptor Stefan Jennings, and in the centre is an ‘Open Heart’ marble sculpture, based on a design from Avonbourne School pupils and sculpted by local artist Andy Kirkby.

The garden captured the attention of visiting journalists, celebrities and even royalty – with the Countess of Wessex spending considerable time talking to its designers, nursery manager Chris Evans and design manager David Ifould.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have won this award and it’s a tribute to the entire team’s hard work going back more than a year in planning and planting,” said Chris.

Comments(7)

muscliffman says...
4:23pm Tue 31 Jul 12

Well done all.
Although because your leaders do not believe you are up to it when it comes to a simple garden in Boscombe, I am unsure how the town or the taxpayer benefits from your proven talent and good efforts.
Presumably a Mr Wayne Hemingway won the gold?

Alumchiner says...
4:38pm Tue 31 Jul 12

Well done to all concerned.........
Any chance of diverting resources to ct back the nettles along Alum Chine. Over the past few years most of the attractive bushes, rhododendrons and vegetation has been cleared and then left for nettles and rubbish to flourish instead.......there again as long as the stags and hen party's are happy trashing the town centre then there will probably not be any money for the residents areas.

Kiki1973 says...
4:47pm Tue 31 Jul 12

Moaners!!! They WON something that will bring a lot of prestige and publicity to the town. The nursery don't manage the nettles, they grow the plants for the landscaping that makes the town presentable to tourists, which in turn brings in money for pity's sake. their pot of money has nothing to do with the maintenance budget for cleanups! Lordy, just be happy for once and stick to the story; they did incredibly well (second win for Chris, having won at Chelsea a couple of years ago) and we should congratulate them for their hard work instead of hijacking the story with a non-related whinge! Well done Chris and co, another beautiful effort!

davecook says...
8:00pm Tue 31 Jul 12

Well done Bournemouth, I'll be visiting from Poole to see the exhibit when it is put in the gardens. Hopefully, I'll be the first of many visitors, nice gardens attract visitors, and that means more revenue for businesses that employ people in the town!!!

Alumchiner says...
8:43pm Tue 31 Jul 12

The point is - this is the place where ordinary people can vent their opinions ? A email to a councilor isnt going to do much etc.
I think the last comment was obviously a mickey take and the one before or either from someone who works for the gardening section of the council or doesn't have to pay massive rates.

BIGTONE says...
10:13pm Tue 31 Jul 12

Hoooraaaa....Get the bath chairs out.

Gordon Cann says...
8:15am Wed 1 Aug 12

Bournemouth is two places , obviously connected, but still two places; firstly a place where people live and secondly a place which attracts tourists vital to the economy of the town and the people who live here, and the question is whether a right balance has been chosen.

I think not, places like Strouden Park need brightening up- enough said!

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