A historic South Liverpool botanical landmark is set to hand over its grounds to local residents as part of a major dual anniversary celebration designed to highlight grassroots community resilience.
As part of its 25-year anniversary celebrations, the Palm House in Sefton Park is hosting its very first Show Gardens on its East Lawn.
Displayed between 10 and 21 June, the gardens have been developed by local charities, schools and community groups, to create plots of 2 x 3 metres, spanning education, health and wellbeing, environmental action and community growing.
Ten distinct regional organisations have collaborated to build the outdoor living installations, which coincide with 130 years since the Victorian glasshouse first opened in 1896.
Kate Martinez, Head of Visitors and Communities at Sefton Park Palm House, said:
“This year marks 25 years since the Palm House reopened following renovations, and we’re celebrating by hosting a series of events that align with our purpose and relationship with our community.
“The impact of nature on health and wellbeing is so key to what we do, that we wanted to give people the chance to experience designing and building their own gardens, while also providing a platform to showcase the important work that they do.
“The Palm House began as an ‘indoor garden’ for its Victorian visitors, but since reopening 25 years ago, the building has become so much more.
“We’re proud to be known as a beautiful wedding venue, but our purpose as a health and wellbeing resource and a haven for our local community is just as important to us.
“The Show Gardens are a tangible way of representing and celebrating this and the incredible work of all the community groups that we’ve been lucky to work with over the years.
“As well as children and young adults from local educational settings, it’s also been very special to work with organisations such as Let’s Talk CIC, Growing Sudley and Alfie’s Squad, among others, who do such valuable work in our local community that has a real impact on people’s lives.”
Horticultural Plots Dedicated to Stroke Recovery and Suicide Bereavement Support
The independent installations address heavy social themes, ranging from complex mental health journeys and isolation to neuro-rehabilitation and childhood loss.
The 10 gardens include a garden for wellbeing, connection and belonging from Let’s Talk CIC.
Let’s Talk CIC MD/co-founder Kellie Rostron, said:
“This garden tells the story of Lets-Talk2day CIC—a journey built through resilience, diversity, and community.
“Created by our service users and volunteers, it celebrates inclusion, culture, and how people from many backgrounds can come together, grow together, and create something truly meaningful.”
Further plots focus on physical recovery, including a garden devised, designed and developed by members of Growing Sudley’s therapeutic horticulture group for adults with stroke and brain injury.
Growing Sudley Director, Lucy Dossor, said:
“We’re proud to be part of this garden show at the Palm House, and looking forward to the big reveal of our secret garden display – designed and developed by adults with stroke and brain injury.”
The exhibition space also provides dedicated areas for grief support, featuring gardens to remember loved ones from Alfie’s Squad and Woodlands Hospice.
Alfie’s Squad provides specialist suicide bereavement support for children, young people, and their families.
Through peer support groups, they help children feel understood, less alone, and supported after the loss of a loved one to suicide.
Woodlands Hospice Corporate Partners Manager, Hayley Smallman, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Palm House for giving us the opportunity to create such a meaningful garden, shaped by every part of our Woodlands Hospice community.
“Our Forget Me Not Garden reflects who we are – a place of care, connection and remembrance for those we support. As we celebrate 30 years of Woodlands Hospice, it feels like a truly special way to honour our community and showcase just how wonderful they are.”
Educational Displays Combine Literary Imagery with Local Heritage Training
The East Lawn exhibition incorporates work from mainstream, specialist, and home-educated student groups from across Merseyside.
Norris Green-based Monksdown Primary School designed a Wizard of Oz-themed garden to celebrate kindness, courage and community.
A Year 5 pupil from the school said:
“Working on the garden has made me feel really proud because everyone has helped each other and shared ideas.
“I liked painting the yellow pebbles with kind words because it will make visitors smile.
“It has shown me that when we work together, we can create something amazing for our community”.
Monksdown Primary School teacher, Mrs Ferrigan, said:
“This project has given our children the opportunity to be creative, work collaboratively and feel proud of their community.
“Watching them share ideas, support one another and bring the Wizard of Oz theme to life has been incredibly special.
“The garden reflects the kindness, resilience and imagination that our children show every day.”
Alternative learning groups are represented by the Home education Science & Nature Club, whose display titled ‘The Friendship Journey’ was designed and created by home educated children age 2 – 15.
It explores the diversity of the children’s interests and passions and celebrates the unique contributions they each make.
Opening Times and Broader Anniversary Schedule Confirmed
The exhibition anchors a wider cultural calendar for the park centrepiece, which will include a display at Liverpool’s Central Library, a programme of talks, late summer openings, and a Grow Your Own Harvest Festival.
The launch will take place on Wednesday, 10 June, between 12 noon and 1 pm, with installation opportunities running prior to this from 1 – 9 June.
The Show Gardens are open every day except Saturdays, from Wednesday 10 June at 1 pm until Sunday 21 June.
On Sunday to Wednesday, plus Friday, the grounds open from 8 am to 5 pm, with the main Palm House building opening from 10 am.
Thursday operations run from 8 am to 3 pm, with the indoor glass structure again welcoming visitors from 10 am.
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