Help create a spring bulb show

Visitors are being invited to help plant 2,400 bulbs in a border next to Quarry Bank’s historic glasshouse.

Acting Head Gardener Ann Gaughan (pictured above) said it would be a great opportunity for the public to put their green fingers to good use on November 30.

“The vinery border really came into its own this summer and this planting will make sure it gets a good start in spring,” she said. “It will be lovely for people to plant the bulbs and then come back to see them bloom in April and May.”

The border runs parallel to the glasshouse, which reopened in Quarry Bank’s upper garden in February after more than a year of restoration. Herbaceous plants grew in it over the summer, but the public will be planting types of tulips including white triumphator and maja.

On the volunteering days visitors will be provided with a trowel and kneeling mat and will be able to plant as many or as few bulbs as they would like.

“It can be quite a therapeutic job in the garden,” said Ann. “It’s also satisfying because you can imagine what a good show you are going to get in spring.”

In recent years the gardens at Quarry Bank have been transformed thanks to generous donors and funders including the Heritage Lottery Fund.

They’re now looking better than ever and Ann said the glasshouse would offset the spring planting beautifully. “It looks stunning when the sun hits the glasshouse with the border in full bloom,” she said.

To help with the planting visit between 10.30am and noon or 2pm to 3.30pm on November 30.