The Salvation Army’s Strawberry Field has unveiled a new rose garden dedicated to legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin CBE and his wife, Lady Judy Martin.
The Sir George and Lady Judy Martin Rose Garden has opened at the famous Liverpool attraction, creating a peaceful new space for visitors to reflect while looking out towards the iconic Strawberry Field gates.
The garden is the first public tribute of its kind dedicated to Sir George Martin, whose career helped shape some of the most famous music of the 20th century.
At the heart of the garden is a curved brick wall featuring an engraved Portland stone celebrating his remarkable career. The tribute also includes 30 discs marking the UK number one singles he produced with artists including The Beatles, Cilla Black, Gerry and the Pacemakers and Elton John.
Lady Judy Martin, who was a devoted patron of Strawberry Field, wanted the garden to be a place of peace and reflection. Her vision was to create somewhere visitors could sit, take in the surroundings and enjoy roses in her favourite shades of red and pink.
Many of the roses were gifted by Lady Judy before her death in 2023 and were sourced from David Austin Roses. They were chosen for their colour and fragrance, making the garden accessible and enjoyable for all visitors, including those with limited sight.
Spanning 95 square metres, the accessible garden includes a water feature, a circular raised rose bed and seating areas. Visitors enter through decorative gates painted by pop artist James Wilkinson.
The garden was officially opened on Saturday, June 27, by Sir George and Lady Judy’s children, Giles Martin and Lucie Kitchener.
The rose garden was donated by Cliff Cooper, CEO of Orange Amps and a patron of Strawberry Field, who in 2023 also gifted the site’s Sgt. Pepper-inspired bandstand.
Cliff said:
“As a patron of Strawberry Field, I’m honoured to support this tribute to Sir George and Lady Martin. Their impact on music and their dedication to charitable causes align in harmony with the spirit of Strawberry Field.”
Guests at the opening included Julia Baird, honorary president of Strawberry Field and sister of John Lennon, Mike McCartney, Sir Paul McCartney’s younger brother, and Lady Ann Dodd.
A new display of exclusive photographs has also been unveiled, featuring images shared for the first time by the Martin family and Mike McCartney from their personal archives.
Visitors to Strawberry Field will be able to see the display throughout the summer, offering fresh insight into the Martins’ love of roses and their relationship with Strawberry Field.
The Salvation Army’s Major Michelle Lovegrove-Huggins said:
“It is a pleasure to open the rose garden in memory of Sir George and his contribution to music and Lady Judy Martin. Lady Judy was a valued patron of The Salvation Army and Strawberry Field and supported our work empowering young people in the community into paid work. We look forward to welcoming visitors to reflect in the garden she helped to create, as she once imagined.”
Strawberry Field is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with visitors welcome to enjoy the new garden.
Donations made at the garden will support Steps to Work at Strawberry Field, a programme that helps young adults facing barriers to employment, including those who are neurodivergent or have learning differences, into meaningful paid work.
For more information about Strawberry Field, visit the website.
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