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Wonders of Winterbourne
From the Japanese Bridge to the little Noah’s Ark figures in the nursery, there are dozens of treasures to discover in our house and garden.
During University of Birmingham’s anniversary year, we’re celebrating 125 ‘Wonders of Winterbourne’ – all the very best of what you can see and do in our house and garden.
Every month we’ll update this list – so you’ll find reasons to return time and time again to discover new delights.
How many ‘wonders’ will you tick off in 2025?
1
Have you seen the striking flowers of the Californian Tree Poppy blooming on the upper-border border of the lawn?
2
As Autumn fast-approaches, make sure to look out for the Salvia Amethyst Lips in potted displays around the Garden. One of Head Gardener Dan’s personal favourite flowers, he loves the pockets of colour they bring to the garden flowering from early June right the way through to the start of Autumn.
3
Look out for the delicious heritage tomatoes ripening around the Walled Garden.
4
If you’ve been inspired by artist Carolyn Blake’s exhibition currently on display at Winterbourne, you can join her on 27 or 28 August for a supportive and inspiring art workshop, Make Your Mark on the Landscape. Carolyn will encourage you to create your own artistic reimagining of Winterbourne’s wonderful landscape.
5
Discover one of the most tranquil spots in the garden as you search for our majestic Sequiadendron giganteum (Wellingtonia). Take a seat on the bench immediately in front of the tree, which is cleverly positioned to encourage visitors to gaze up and fully appreciate its towering presence.
6
The Birmingham Honey Show (13-14 September) is one of the most loved wonders in the Winterbourne summer calendar. Make sure to pop along and visit Winterbourne for a free weekend of family fun, in partnership with Birmingham & District Beekeepers Association!
7
At the Birmingham Honey Show 2024, we unveiled a brand-new sculpture in the garden, “A Fine Balance”, celebrating Winterbourne’s affinity with the nation’s favourite pollinators. Carved from St Bees sandstone, the sculpture was designed to weather beautifully over the years, so make sure to stop and admire how it has evolved over the past year.
8
From researching and caring for our collections, to carefully curating displays in the House to help tell visitors the story of Winterbourne’s fascinating history, our Curator and the team of volunteers who work with our collections help to bring to life the Wonders of Winterbourne for visitors to enjoy.
9
In the small and unassuming room just off the corridor as you enter Winterbourne, you will find a series of beautifully intricate linocut prints created by local artist Sarah Moss. The scenes depict Winterbourne’s history as a family home.
10
The Walled Garden was designed with a perfect balance of beauty and practicality… The waved pattern of the ‘crinkle-crankle’ wall on the eastern boundary traps heat, helping fruit trees to grow and mature.
