Consultation

On the way home I called in briefly at Worsley Library.

The Royal Horticultural Society was founded in 1804 by Joseph Banks and John Wedgewood (although the Royal was only added in 1861 when Prince Albert arranged its new Charter). It has retained the same purpose since its creation. To improve the science, art and practice of Horticulture.

The RHS has four permanent gardens - Wisley (Surrey), Hyde Hall (Essex), Rosemoor (Devon), and Harlow Carr (Yorkshire). And it is in the very early stages of designing its fifth garden, which it is calling RHS Bridgewater, and which it hopes to locate in Salford.

It is undertaking pre application consultation with local people, which is what the event at the Library was about. Lots of people had been visiting, This shot is not representative at all.

The site is that of Worsley New Hall, which was one of the homes of the Earls of Ellesmere, descendants of the Dukes of Bridgewater. For most people the site will be unknown, as it is in private ownership and very much hidden. It is very much a hidden gem, and certainly it's possibilities (it has a huge totally derelict walled garden, and beautiful lakes) excite the RHS.

People's image of Salford - LS Lowry has a lot to answer for - is of a heavily urbanised place. In fact, the City is remarkably green. Which is in part what attracts the RHS. A garden will require planning permission, which is why the RHS is seeking early views from local people. It hopes to submit a planning application to the City Council soon.