The University of Birmingham's hidden jewel, Winterbourne Botanic Garden will be officially reopened to the public on Friday April 28th after the most extensive makeover in its recent history.
More than £40,000 has been invested to restore many of the garden's original features including the beautiful Japanese bridge. Other significant changes include a new pergola, improved visitor facilities and extensively replanted borders.
The refurbished garden will be officially opened by local TV presenter John Craven at a ceremony on April 28th. Winterbourne is one of the best surviving examples of a small Edwardian Arts and Crafts style garden.
Alison Darby the garden’s curator said: "There has been an immense amount of work done over the winter months to showcase the features that make Winterbourne such a special place. The new Japanese bridge and pergola should provide visitors with a real sense of the ideas that inspired Margaret Nettlefold to create the garden more than 100 years ago. It remains a beautiful and perfectly English garden."
The garden houses the national collections of Anthemis and "The History of the European Rose". The six acre site also includes a charming walled garden, colour themed borders (which are typical of the arts and crafts style) and a herb circle.
Visitors will be able to enjoy Winterbourne garden in all its spring glory. The spectacular displays of daffodils are a particular highlight of the garden at this time of year.
The official opening is the start of a busy summer at Winterbourne. In June the gardens host the extremely popular annual Edwardian Fete, while in August visitors will be able to enjoy an open air performance of Midsummer Night’s Dream. Throughout the summer there are also a series of regular walks and lectures, showing off the 1700 plants at Winterbourne.
A leaflet highlighting the attractions of the gardens and upcoming events is available by telephoning 0121 414 3832
Winterbourne Botanic Garden, University of Birmingham is located at 58 Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2RT. Opening times are 11-4 weekdays, plus weekend events and Sunday afternoons in May, June and July. Admission generally costs £3 for adults, children under 5 are free.
For further media information please contact Ben Hill, Press Officer at the University of Birmingham on 0121 414 5134 or mobile 07789 921163
WINTERBOURNE BOTANIC GARDENS
Built in 1903 the Garden started life as a private family garden and became the University of Birmingham Botanic Garden in 1944. In its 100 years it has developed and now houses the National Council for Conservation of Plants and Gardens European Rose collection, a Tea just three miles from the city centre.