NEWS RELEASE

PR 1722

For Immediate Release                                                                                              

5 May 2004

New opening hours for the Georgian Garden

THE oasis of 18th century calm that is Bath’s Georgian Garden is now open seven days a week and has longer opening hours (9am-7pm).

The garden, reached off Gravel Walk, opened to the public for the summer on Tuesday, May 4. Entry is free to everyone.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is now opening the garden for longer – until 7pm - and for the first time at weekends.

Cllr Nicole O’Flaherty, Executive Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council is very pleased to be able to open the Georgian Garden for longer during the day and at weekends for the first time.

“For anyone who has not visited I can recommend it as a place to unwind and relax. On a fine summer’s day it is simply divine.”

In 1985 it was decided to make better use of the garden and the positions of the flower beds, paths and the trellis were located by excavation by the Bath Archaeological Trust.

The garden features the beautiful variegated leaves and double flowers that were particularly popular in the Georgian period and follows the original layout – typically simple and formal.

And although the plants that grew in the garden were not recorded, species known to have been used in town gardens of the period have been planted.

Parks department staff try to keep the garden as authentically 18th century as possible. They do not use pesticides and they use an authentic Georgian roller to go over the gravel.

Notes to Editors:

Images of the Georgian Garden are available by contacting Angela Payne at Heritage Services on 01225 477737. Alternatively photographers are welcome to come and take their own pictures.

For more information, contact:

Stephen Bird, Head of Heritage Services, on Tel: 01225 477750 or e-mail stephen_bird@bathnes.gov.uk

Patricia Dunlop, Commercial Marketing Manager - Heritage Services, on Tel: 01225 477759 or e-mail patricia_dunlop@bathnes.gov.uk

For comment, contact:

Cllr Nicole O’Flaherty, Executive Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, on Tel: 01225 310341 or e-mail nicole_oflaherty@bathnes.gov.uk

Issued by: Bath & North East Somerset Press Office, tel 01225 477827 or