By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
A beautiful show garden at Southport Flower Show which showcased the very best of garden design from the 1920s to the modern day won the first ever Tim Timmerman Trophy, which was decided by public vote.
Now and Then was created by Paul and Jane Joughin from Absolutely Splashing in Wigan.
The couple were delighted to be presented with the trophy by Shirley Timmerman, the widow of former Southport Flower Show Director Tim Timmerman, who sadly died earlier this year.
Tim Timmerman was among local figures who stepped in to rescue the historic Southport Flower Show when Sefton Council was preparing to axe the event in the 1980s. He remained a Director of the Show for many years.
Mr Timmerman grew the Mellors bakery business; bought the Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport; and was involved in the successful operation of the Lancashire Manor Hotel and Mellors Catering Services, as well as being a prominent community figure through Southport Rotary.
The Now and Then garden by Absolutely Splashing took visitors on a journey, starting with a 1924 theme with a nostalgic tea party with a gate leading to a ‘secret garden’, moving to a more modern design.
It incorporated two seating areas; a bespoke modern on one level plus a vintage style on another for the homeowner to enjoy the different aspects of the water garden.
A stream with a waterfall cascaded into a large pond area encouraging wildlife and creating a haven for all.
Paul Joughin said: “We exhibited at Southport Flower Show for the first time last year and were really looking forward to coming back for the 100th anniversary show.
“It’s a fantastic feeling to win! We are absolutely delighted.”
Jane Joughin is a keen nostalgia lover who diligently collected a series of stunning Southport postcards and newspaper cuttings from 1924, which she presented on an old fashioned mirror next to the garden.
She enjoyed chatting with visitors as she wore an elegant white 1920s costume, which she sourced individually and then put together through buying on the Vinted website.
Jane said: “I love nostalgia and was really keen to create an Edwardian style garden to celebrate 100 years of the Southport Flower Show.
“Paul loves modern gardens, so we came up with the idea of a Then and Now entry, taking visitors from one design to the other.
“It started with an English country garden theme with a table set for a 1920s tea party.
“The materials we used were sustainable. We reclaimed the York stone paving from a house demolition. I found the old-fashioned ‘secret garden’ gate which was being thrown out by someone; we restored and repainted it.
“I have spent months searching out old Southport postcards from 1924, which I bought on eBay. Every time one became available I snapped it up for our display.
“They have old scenes including Rotten Row, Lord Street and Southport Pier. Every one has a story to tell, with all the old messages on the back.
“The garden has had a fantastic reaction. Lots of people have wanted to stop and chat about the garden, and share their memories about how Southport used to be.”
Despite it being a busy four days, the couple were also able to enjoy a quick look around Victoria Park.
Jane said: “We had a walk around and it was absolutely amazing! We had no idea how vast Southport Flower Show is.
“There is so much to see and do, for people of all ages; there are events and activities happening everywhere.
“The reaction to the Show from the people we have spoken with has been superb.
“It has been a very busy event, it has been bustling.
“I hope it keeps getting even bigger and even better each year.”
Southport Flower Show, sponsored by Seventy Ninth Group, is the UK’s largest independent flower show and attracts over 55,000 visitors every year.
Next year’s event will take place over four days from 14th – 17th August 2025.
Early bird tickets are on sale for £19 until the end of September.
Children under 16 go free.
Visit: www.southportflowershow.co.uk
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