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The University of Birmingham turns 125 this year – and we’re celebrating by highlighting 125 treasures to discover in our house and garden: our ‘Wonders of Winterbourne’.
And – just in time – the snowdrops in 125 kokedamas we’ve hung along the Nut Walk to mark the occasion have burst into bloom! These kokedamas were the brainchild of Head Gardener Dan Cartwright and Horticulture Supervisor Fumiko Miyachi, who were looking for a visual way to celebrate the anniversary using one of the oldest features in the garden. The hazelnuts growing along the Nut Walk are the same ones planted by Winterbourne’s very first owner Margaret Nettlefold, making it a symbol of the past which continues to flower into the present.
Every member of the Gardening Team has been involved in creating the kokedamas. As they were being hung, Dan was heard to say, “This is one of the happiest moments of my career so far’. Do come and see these and all our other ‘Wonders’ while they’re at their best.
‘Wonders of Winterbourne’ include heirlooms from the families who once lived here, our fantastic workshops celebrating traditional crafts, and curiosities in the garden. Because we’re all about nature, we’ll unveil new ‘Wonders’ each month to include plants in their pomp, from the blossoming cherry to the witch hazel in winter. We hope our evolving list will pique your appetite to return to Winterbourne again and again, discovering new delights at every visit.
This month we’re launching the campaign with 11 ‘Wonders’, which include a beautiful christening gown, William Morris wallpaper and lunchtime talks.
Discover the Wonders of Winterbourne
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