The University of Liverpool’s Ness Botanic Gardens are super excited to celebrate a double anniversary this year. 2023 marks 125 years since the gardens were founded by Arthur Bulley in 1898, and 75 years since ‘Bulley’s Garden’ became the University of Liverpool’s Botanic Gardens in 1948.
As part of the celebrations, and to bring the story alive, the Ness Gardens' team have created a timeline of key events through the history of the gardens.
We’d like to take this opportunity give a special shout-out to Ness’ amazing volunteers, staff, members, visitors and supporters who have cared for and protected our gardens for over 100 years.
Ness is a special place where treasured memories are made and it has inspired supporters to remember Ness in their Will, or to celebrate the lives of their loved ones in the gardens. These extraordinary gestures of generosity have helped make wonderful things happen in the gardens and played a vital role in keeping Ness beautiful for generations to enjoy.
One gift, in particular, has allowed us to fulfil a project that otherwise may not have been realised. Pamela Kessel sadly passed away in 2021, but her story will continue at Ness through a gift in her Will.
Pamela’s generosity enabled us to commission two beautiful, traditionally made books, which will not only be a reminder of her kindness but will display the names of others who have remembered Ness in their Will, and those whose lives been commemorated in the gardens.
“The Books of Bequests and Remembrance at Ness truly reflect the generosity and character of the people, whose love for these gardens is so evident. It’s wonderful for Hilton Studios to be a part of this project, during this special commemorative year.” Stephen Foley - Managing Director at Hilton Studios
We invite you one and all, to come and see the new books on display in the visitor centre at a special commemorative event to be held at a date to be confirmed in the near future.
If you would like to find out how to add a name to the books or would like to attend the event, Legacy Officer Carolyn Jones would love to hear from you carolyn.jones@liverpool.ac.uk