Introduction/overview: brief history and its importance to the RHS and the public.
Early years: before the hall; geology of the area, Roman and Iron age, early mining.
Garden shaper profile: William Nesfield.
The glory years: the hall, the industrialisation of the region, the prosperity, the part Bridgewater played in this success. Plus breakout box 'Challenges for Bridgewater: Arsenic
Garden shaper profile: Lord Egerton.
The war years: uses of the hall and gardens.
Key buildings throughout the history of Bridgewater: landing platform for the Queen's visit; the hall, the bunker, the grotto, the bothy, the welcome building.
The decline: hall falls into disrepair; new uses by fishing clubs and scouts; scrumping and garden centre. Plus breakout box 'My Bridgewater - personal recollection.
The takeover: discussions on how RHS found the garden, negotiations to make it happen. Interviews with Sue Biggs and her team.
Key plants throughout the history of Bridgewater.
Early developments of the garden: the longest journey starts with the smallest steps. Framework of the garden plus essential infrastructure. Section on volunteers and importance.
Garden shaper profile: Tom Stuart-Smith.
Up to speed: soil, plants, containers, lakes and structures.
Garden curator profile: Marcus.
Bridgewater now: learning centres, teaching gardens, wellbeing garden, social prescribing, a garden for all
Beyond the Bridgewater walls: community projects, social prescribing, gardening and mental/physical health
Future projects; woodland, Streamside garden, new hall plans.
RHS Garden Bridgewater timeline.
Map

Index

London and Nottinghamshire, UK

The Royal Horticultural Society, founded in 1804 as the Horticultural Society of London, is the UK's leading gardening charity. The RHS promotes horticulture through its five gardens at Wisley (Surrey), Hyde Hall (Essex), Harlow Carr (Yorkshire), Rosemoor (Devon) and Bridgewater (Greater Manchester); flower shows including the Chelsea Flower Show, Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, Tatton Park Flower Show and Cardiff Flower Show; community gardening schemes; Britain in Bloom and a vast educational program. It also supports training for professional and amateur gardeners.