Gardens to visit in spring and summer – Ness Botanic Gardens

When Liverpool cotton merchant Arthur Kilpin Bulley began to create a garden in 1898 he probably had no idea he was creating the foundations of what would become one of the major botanic gardens in the UK. Bulley was interested in introducing new plant species from abroad, especially from Asia - he believed Himalayan and Chinese mountain plants could be established in Britain. In order to test this theory, he sponsored expeditions to the Far East and in doing so launched the careers of the renowned British plant collectors George Forrest and Frank Kingdon Ward, and he also opened part of his gardens in Liverpool to the public, to show people how easy the plants were to grow.

He died in 1942, and in 1948 his daughter presented the Gardens to the University of Liverpool, stipulating that they be kept as a botanic gardens in tribute to the memory of her father. Bulley's policy of opening a specified area of ornamental ground to the public was also to be continued. However, during the second world war, only two men were left to look after the gardens and by the time the University inherited them, they were in a very sorry state.

When Ken Hulme was appointed as Director in 1957, it presented him with both a challenge and an opportunity. During this period the size of the ornamental gardens increased from six to forty six acres and superb collections of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, Cherries and Heathers were established. Today, while the commitment to maintain and develop the beauty of the Gardens remains, there is an increasing emphasis on research, conservation and education of the public about plants and their interactions with people.

It’s a really worthwhile garden to visit at this time of year, as the well-established and quite magnificent rhododendrons and azaleas are its main feature in the spring and summer, while later in the year, its heathers, maples, acers and rowans provide a beautiful backdrop for picnics – somehow I think Mr Bulley would have approved!

Ness photograph by PhillipC, used under a creative commons attribution licence

 

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