Families will be able to enjoy 150 years of Fern Fern Fun at the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown in Southport this weekend.
The special event, between 10am and 4pm this Saturday (9th September 2023), is part of this year’s Heritage Opens Days initiative.
Admission is free, no booking is required.
The magical Fernery, which was created in 1875,is the focus for celebrating the Victorian heritage of these beautiful gardens with their traditional display beds, a stumpery, a rescue aviary and handsome buildings.
Volunteers from the Botanic Gardens Community Association will be in Victorian costume at the Fernery to explain the history of the Gardens since 1875 and the current ongoing restoration and future plans.
They will share stories of mediaeval monks, elephants and a rescue from the brink of becoming housing.
Beyond the Fernery, the tree-lined serpentine lake and bridges, playing fields and bowling greens are all part of the historic layout that now includes wildflower areas and a focus on wellbeing.
The volunteers work with Green Sefton to plant and maintain the flower beds and to restore the Grade II listed Gardens’ historic features. They consistently achieve Outstanding status in the RHS Community in Bloom awards and the Community Green Flag award of Exceptional.
Also taking part in Heritage Open Days on the same day are nearby St Cuthbert’s Church and the Marshside Fog Bell.
North Meols (Southport) Family History Society meanwhile is inviting people to enjoy its annual Open Day this this Saturday, 9th September 2023 from 11am to 4pm at The Parochial Hall, Churchtown.
A Botanic Gardens Community Association spokesperson said: “One of the many facets of the Southport Botanic Gardens Volunteers work is the management of the unique, magical historic Victorian Fernery.
“It goes back in time to its 1875 opening and is virtually as it was then.
“There are very few left in the country.
“We have volunteers dedicated to its maintenance all year round.”
There is a 20p charge for the toilets, which are maintained by the Botanic Gardens Community Association.
The Fernery is closest to the Botanic Gardens main entrance on Bankfield Lane. Follow the path past the cafe and you’ll find the entrance on the left.
This event is organised by volunteers from the Botanic Gardens Community Association.
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