The restoration programme of Bridgemere Show Gardens has gathered more steam under the leadership of Alan Roper, Managing Director of Blue Diamond Group, with the appointment of popular TV Gardener, David Domoney.

This beloved Cheshire landmark was founded in 1986, by John Ravenscroft, who wanted to bring the experience of the UK’s premier flower shows to his own garden centre. When John retired, and his beloved Bridgemere Garden Centre was sold, the new owners did not share his passion. Despite the best efforts of a loyal team of gardeners, the gardens were not celebrated and enjoyed as they once were. 

Fast forward to 2020, when Blue Diamond Managing Director, Alan Roper, whose admiration for the work of John Ravenscroft, recognised the potential of the show gardens and led him to the decision to purchase the Centre restoring its former glory. As an accolade to the gardeners’ achievements at Bridgemere, this year, the Show Gardens have been awarded RHS Partner Garden status. Now, Bridgemere Show Gardens has partnered with Chartered Horticulturalist and Broadcaster, David Domoney, to help further raise awareness and bring crowds back to one of the UK’s favourite venues for garden inspiration. 

Set on 6 acres, the space is composed of 15 separate gardens which include many RHS medal-winning successes. These gardens, relocated from different flower shows, such as RHS Chelsea Flower Show, RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, and RHS Tatton Park Flower Show, have been given a permanent home to flourish and inspire. Additionally, the Gardens boast established planting and no less than nine authenticated ‘Champion Trees.’

Originally built by industry legend John Ravenscroft, the Gardens have inspired many in horticulture and garden design, including both David Domoney and Blue Diamond Managing Director, Alan Roper.

Bridgemere Show Gardens led the way in sustainable gardening, by relocating gardens built at RHS shows to Bridgemere to ensure their legacy and enjoyment lives on. Since the ownership by Blue Diamond, more RHS show gardens have been and will continue to be relocated back to Bridgemere, enabling visitors to Bridgemere Show Gardens to witness the changes by season, offering inspiration all year round. 

Bridgemere Show Gardens understands the importance of gardening on your mental health. That’s why these gardens are non-profit making, with 20% of the funds from tickets sold donated by Bridgemere Gardens to the Alzheimer’s Society, with every other penny going towards the upkeep of the gardens.

Alan Roper says: “I fell in love with these gardens many years ago. I liked their bold heritage and the fact they were not just temporary show gardens but living and evolving. When Blue Diamond took over the gardens it was my wish to not only restore them after the Wyevale years of neglect but promote their beauty to a wider audience. David Domoney is perfect to assist us with this not just because of his successful career inspiring people on Television, but because he also was around when the gardens started and shares that original passion.”

Every month there will be a different garden theme, from Children’s Gardening, Gardens for Better Health, to Food Festival and Grow Your Own! Each month David will be appearing at Bridgemere Show Gardens and giving presentations to the visitors on the theme of the month. 

David Domoney says: “I am delighted to be working with Alan and his team at Bridgemere Show Gardens. These gardens are an RHS Partner Garden, displaying unique and breath-taking beauty with solid horticultural pedigree. Each garden has its own unique personality and story, giving visitors practical, visual inspiration, especially as they can see the gardens grow over time. I am looking forward to the many different events we will be holding at the gardens, as we trailblaze new and exciting ways to engage the public to visit national gardens. The friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable gardening team that tend the gardens have more than 85 years of experience, which I would encourage the public to tap into.”

“Even the two beehives situated behind the cottage gardens are also part of the working staff at Bridgemere Show Gardens!”