A commemorative year for Ness Botanic Gardens

Published on

We're super excited to have celebrated a double anniversary this year. 2023 has been a special year for us, as it marks 125 years since our beautiful 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 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 our amazing volunteers, staff, members, visitors and supporters who have cared for and protected Ness Botanic Gardens for over 100 years.

I'm sure you'll agree that Ness is a special place where treasured memories are made.  Since our foundation, supporters have been inspired 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 at Ness and played a vital role in keeping the gardens 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. 

Newly installed commemorative books at Ness Botanic 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