UK: Thompson & Morgan Open Garden expected to attract thousands through summer
The mail order seed and plant specialist has made it possible for customers to do just that with the July opening of the Thompson & Morgan Garden at Jimmy’s Farm, Ipswich.
“The new garden allows us to offer a ‘see before you buy’ service to our customers,” says Michael Perry. The firm’s New Product Development Manager has been searching for a venue to re-create its popular open weekends, which were a huge hit with customers through the 90s and 00s.
“Our Ipswich nursery site just couldn’t cope with the footfall – 5,000 keen gardeners all trying to get on site over two hectic days. Opening the garden just down the road at Jimmy’s Farm allows the public to view it at their leisure from now until September, and for our nursery staff to keep it in peak condition until then.”
A colourful container display of Tower Pots™, Flower Pouches™, Patio Pots and Easy Fill Hanging Baskets, plus several large trial beds will show off more than 1,000 customer favourites, 2016 introductions and experimental varieties being trialled for garden performance. Visitors will be asked to highlight their favourite varieties and will have the chance to win prizes for sending in selfie shots of themselves with the plant that caught their eye the most.
The garden adds an injection of vibrant colour to a host of other free attractions at the farm including rare breed animals, top class restaurant and butchery, as well as craft and gift stores. Farm owner Jimmy Doherty said: “The Thompson & Morgan garden just cannot be missed... literally! Our latest attraction has added a generous dose of colour to the farm, and allows us to offer gardeners a sneak preview of some incredible new plants for gardens. Marvel at the wall of colour too, clothed in Thompson & Morgan’s innovative Flower Pouches™, showing that fences don’t have to stay dull and brown! Visit as soon as you can for a day of inspiration and, of course, the opportunity to take some great selfies!”
The gardens will be closed to the public during Jimmy’s Sausage & Beer Festival weekend (25-26 July). Gardening clubs and societies need only register their intent to visit if they require refreshments or food as the restaurant is very busy during the summer months. Secretaries should contact tilly@jimmysfarm.com or call +44 (0)1473 604206.
For opening times and directions see www.jimmysfarm.com
Follow Thompson & Morgan on Facebook and Twitter (#TMopengarden) to stay informed on the latest happenings with the Thompson & Morgan Garden at Jimmy’s Farm.
For more information
Thompson and Morgan
www.thompson-morgan.com