Bridgemere Nursery & Garden World - Britain's largest garden centre celebrates its 50th anniversary year

Bridgemere, Britain's largest and most spectacular garden centre, famed for its prolific nursery and situated on the borders of Cheshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary year in 2010. Established by John and Elizabeth Ravenscroft as a six-acre rose nursery, Bridgemere has evolved to over 140 acres and is arguably the largest garden centre in the world.

50th Anniversary Celebrations

50th Anniversary Celebrations

Bridgemere remains a passion for the Ravenscrofts and with John's help and guidance the award winning Show Gardens have recently been replanted to commemorate the Golden Anniversary Year, using many of the plant varieties grown in the nursery on site. The Garden Centre Group will appoint John and Elizabeth as Life Presidents of Bridgemere.

The Ravenscrofts

It is through the hard work and commitment by the Ravenscrofts that Bridgemere is now the largest and best known centre in Britain. Founder John Ravenscroft, holds the RHS Veitch Memorial Medal and was awarded the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour in 2008. He also won a lifetime achievement award from Garden Retail in 2007 and was High Sheriff of Shropshire in 2001. In 2006, Bridgemere Garden World was acquired by Wyevale and today is one of the leading centres in The Garden Centre Group.

Looking forward - Cherry Tree Arboretum

Adjoining Bridgemere is John and Elizabeth's latest venture, Cherry Tree Arboretum, which is approximately 50 acres, with around 2,000 varieties of trees and shrubs, nearly all of which are stocked seasonally by Bridgemere. Specialist tours of the arboretum can be arranged by Bridgemere at seasonally interesting times, which may inspire visitors to plant elements of what they have viewed. The small nursery specialises in rare & unusual trees and shrubs especially American foliage Oaks for flower arrangers, over 50 varieties of Magnolia and Snake Bark Maples.

The Bridgemere Nursery and Plant Area

Today, the Bridgemere nursery grows nearly a million plants annually and its garden centre sells more plants in more varieties than anywhere else in Britain. Its horticultural credentials are impeccable, with awards that include gold medals at various garden festivals and the RHS Chelsea and Tatton Flower Shows.

Bridgemere Nursery & Garden World – The Show Gardens

The Show Gardens

Set in six acres, Bridgemere's Show Gardens encompass 20 different styles from Victoria, cottage, Mediterranean and Japanese to woodland, water and winter themes. More recently, a sensory and a Grow Your Own garden were added. Free to visit, the gardens offer year round colour and interest.

Bridgemere Nursery & Garden World continues to evolve with a new Tea Room recently added. There is always a wide variety of individual events to highlight and make the most of each season for adults and children. With a miniature train, a mini mountain to climb for children, a wide choice of shops, restaurants and other eateries, Bridgemere really deserves its reputation as a superb destination for all the family.

For more information, visit www.bridgemere.co.uk