The Duchess of Northumberland has marked The Alnwick Garden's 25th anniversary by revealing her ambition to "finish" the attraction, with plans to double the size of the Treehouse and The Poison Garden.
Speaking ahead of three evenings of birthday events, which will include performers, music and fireworks, she recalled the challenges of her initial vision. "How on earth did I ever think I could do that," she admitted.
From vision to award-winning attraction
The garden, which now belongs to a charitable trust, features attractions including the Grand Cascade waterfalls, The Poison Garden, Cherry Orchard, Treehouse Restaurant and Lilidorei fantasy play village. It has become an award-winning tourist attraction that brings visitors from far and wide and a boost to the local economy.
At a preview event on Thursday evening, the Duchess paid tribute to those who helped her create the garden. Reflecting on old video footage, she said: "It's brought back a lot of memories and now I think 'how on earth did I ever think I could do that'. I think it's wonderful for people to think we've had this 25 years - I think I might feel a bit differently to them."
Overcoming doubts and negative comments
She acknowledged the battles she faced, saying: "Because when I look at those videos and film, it just brings back memories of the battles that I had and the negative comments that I had - and how I did it I honestly don't know."
There were questions at the time over whether public funds should be spent. The Duchess said: "I just realised none of them would understand what I was doing until I had built it - and now nobody questions The Alnwick Garden anymore because it's a community garden. It belongs to our local community and nobody would consider calling it the Duchess's garden now."
Plans to expand and improve
The Duchess has further ambitions for the garden. "I want to finish The Alnwick Garden," she said. "It's not completed yet. A lot of what I need to do is linked to problems with success - the treehouse for instance needs to double in size. I need to double the size of The Poison Garden."
She noted that The Poison Garden has made the Guinness Book of Records as the only garden in the world with such a large collection of poisonous plants. She also plans to address the pavilion, which has always leaked, and to redesign the area above ground, including breaking up the grass and path leading to the cascade with more gardens. Water technology also needs updating, she said, as it has moved on significantly since the garden began 25 years ago.
The anniversary events, running from Friday to Sunday, will feature fireworks, light and lasers, live music, fire jugglers, a 'bubbleologist' and food and drink stalls. Attendees will be able to watch the story of the garden's development on a big screen at the bottom of the Grand Cascade, with original designs, photographs and a Lego model on display.
