Mayor of Chickerell unveils new green plaque celebrating local National Plant Collection of waterlilies
A brand new green plaque marking the site of the stunning waterlily National Plant Collection at Bennetts Water Gardens was revealed by the Mayor of Chickerell, Councillor John Dean, and celebrates 30 years since originally being awarded the title by Plant Heritage.
The National Plant Collection of Nymphaea features the largest display of waterlilies in the UK, set in a Monet-esque setting of water gardens with Japanese Bridge, the plants flower from late May through to September.
Bennetts Water Gardens is situated on the former clay pits of Putton Brickworks, following the closure of the brickworks the clay pits naturally flooded, and in 1958 the Bennett family started growing waterlilies here.
The unveiling coincided with a visit by the International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society (IWGS) during their annual symposium, their first visit to the UK in 30 years. The society awarded the accolade of Certified Collection for international recognition of Bennetts collection which offers an opportunity for the general public to experience and reference the diversity of the waterlilies and help promote interest among both water gardening and general gardening enthusiasts.
It is a great honour that Plant Heritage recognise our work developing the National Plant Collection into a world-class display, the largest of its kind in the UK.”
James Bennett, National Plant Collection Holder
National Plant Collections are at the heart of Plant Heritage’s plant conservation work and are crucial for ensuring that no plant is lost from cultivation. Together these ‘living libraries’ contain an estimated 95,000 garden plants, and are found all over the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands, from the far reaches of Scotland to the Cornish coast. Some are created and cared for by passionate individuals or specialist plant nurseries, while others are held by famous botanic gardens, such as Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Many are available for members of the public to visit, and new collections are accredited every season.
These special green plaques are now available for other National Plant Collection Holders to order via Plant Heritage’s website or by calling 01483 447 540.
To find out more about Plant Heritage and how you can help, or how to become a Collection Holder, Plant Guardian, or member, visit www.plantheritage.org.uk.