Bents Garden & Home’s horticultural heritage continues to flourish as John Bent, 93, is recognised for his years of fundraising, donating more than £25,000 to charity through the National Garden Scheme.

Brothers Ron and John took over the family business from their parents Alfred and Margaret Bent, but when John left the business in the 1980s he dedicated his time to the creation of Weeping Ash, a beautiful garden located next to the centre which has now received a special recognition from the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

Now aged 93, John has been opening Weeping Ash Garden to visitors as part of the NGS for 34 years, raising more than £25,000 for the nursing and caring charities supported by the scheme.

John’s contribution was recently celebrated at a special presentation attended by Marian and Brian Jones, NGS County Organisers for Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, and Jan Bashforth, NGS County Organiser for neighbouring Cheshire. The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mark Llewellin, presented John with a certificate in recognition of his remarkable fundraising achievement.

Weeping Ash Garden is particularly admired for its winter and spring planting, offering colour, interest and inspiration across the seasons. By opening it to visitors through the National Garden Scheme, John has combined his lifelong love of gardening with a lasting contribution to good causes.

Matthew Bent, Managing Director of Bents Garden & Home and a member of the third generation of the Bent family, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our Uncle John and everything he has achieved through his garden. To have opened Weeping Ash to the public for 34 years and raised more than £25,000 for such worthwhile causes is a fantastic achievement.

“At 93, John gets a little help with the garden’s upkeep, but he can still often be found tending to and enjoying the garden he has lovingly developed over many years. His passion for plants and the pleasure he gets from sharing his garden with others are an inspiration to us all.”

John’s recognition comes at a special time for the Bent family, as Bents Garden & Home looks ahead to its 90th anniversary in 2027. From Alfred and Margaret’s original rose growing business to the destination centre it is today, the family’s story has always been rooted in a love of plants, gardening and bringing people together.