RHS Garden Bridgewater

RHS Garden Bridgewater is a significant and inspirational addition to the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) collection of gardens, embodying the rich history of horticulture while showcasing contemporary gardening techniques and environmental stewardship. Situated in Salford, Greater Manchester, it marks a major development in the RHS’s ongoing mission to promote gardening and horticulture across the UK.

The garden spans across 154 acres of the historic Worsley New Hall estate, featuring a blend of meticulously restored historic features and innovative new garden designs. The project represents one of the largest gardening projects in Europe, transforming a site with a storied past into a green oasis in the heart of an urban area. Its creation was a response not only to the RHS’s vision of enriching everyone’s life through plants but also to the specific aim of revitalizing an area with a rich industrial and horticultural heritage.

Key features of RHS Garden Bridgewater include the Paradise Garden, designed by the renowned landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith. This garden showcases an array of beautiful plantings inspired by the Persian concept of paradise gardens, blending water, shade, and fragrant plants in an evocative display. Another highlight is the Kitchen Garden, which puts productivity and sustainability at the forefront, providing a model for growing fruit, vegetables, and herbs in harmony with nature.

The restoration of the Walled Garden is another significant aspect of Bridgewater. This large, historic feature has been given new life with innovative planting schemes and designs that respect its heritage while demonstrating modern horticultural practices. The project also includes the development of community outreach and educational programs, aiming to engage local residents and schools in gardening and environmental conservation.

RHS Garden Bridgewater also plays a crucial role in the RHS’s broader environmental and conservation goals. It serves as a living laboratory for sustainable gardening practices, biodiversity enhancement, and the promotion of green spaces as vital components of urban areas. The garden’s design incorporates features such as rainwater harvesting, habitat creation, and the use of peat-free planting mediums, underscoring the RHS’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

The garden opened to the public in 2021, becoming an instant landmark in the UK’s gardening landscape. It offers not only a place of beauty and relaxation for visitors but also education and inspiration for gardeners of all skill levels. Through its gardens, workshops, and community programs, RHS Garden Bridgewater is poised to make a lasting impact on the region’s social, environmental, and horticultural fabric.

Created: 14  March  2024  Edited: 28  May  2024