Springfields Designer Outlet & Leisure has announced that the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has awarded Springfields Festival Gardens the coveted RHS Partner Garden status. This makes Springfields the sole major outlet retail and leisure destination in the UK to be associated with this prestigious accolade.
As one of the Royal Horticultural Society’s partner gardens, Springfields Festival Gardens upholds the exceptional standards that garden enthusiasts expect from the RHS. While the RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place in London, the 15-acre gardens at Springfields continue to flourish with seasonal displays designed by some of Britain’s most renowned garden designers. The Festival Gardens are a significant draw to Springfields Designer Outlet, enhancing the visitor experience alongside its first-class Blue Diamond Home & Garden Centre, restaurants, leisure facilities, and 55 outlet and designer stores.
A Rich History of Horticulture
The history of Springfields Festival Gardens dates back to the late 19th century when the Lincolnshire town of Spalding had established itself as the center of the British flower bulb industry. A group of leading growers proposed a permanent show garden, with an incredible one million bulbs planted. This led to the opening of Springfields Festival Gardens in 1966, managed by the Springfields Horticultural Society (SHS).
In 2004, the gardens were enhanced with new horticultural features and sculptures as part of a unique destination project led by Ian Sanderson. Visitors can now wander through gardens crafted by Chelsea Flower Show multi-Gold Medal winner Chris Beardshaw, Chelsea Flower Show judge Stephen Woodhams, TV show presenter Charlie Dimmock, and pop icon turned horticultural expert Kim Wilde. Entry to Springfields Festival Gardens is free of charge.
Celebrating the Recognition
“We are very proud that the Royal Horticultural Society has appointed Springfields Festival Gardens as an RHS Partner Garden,” said Ian Sanderson, Owner of asset manager SLR Outlets and the original developer of Springfields. “Princess Anne opened Springfields, and the Queen Mother planted a commemorative tree. We made a commitment to continuously develop and improve the gardens for all. We would like to thank the RHS for recognizing this long-term team effort.”
Marion Durose, CEO of SHS, added: “While Chelsea tickets command premium prices, at Springfields Festival Gardens, we welcome all visitors completely free of charge every day of the week. Enjoy the beauty, wildlife, and colors of our gardens. Our colonnade walk is currently heaving with masses of blooming roses and fragrance, perfect for a gorgeous selfie or family shot. Or just sit on one of our benches and enjoy the views. Come and get some inspiration for your own garden—all without spending a penny.”
A Botanical Attraction
Springfields is home to the UK’s national collection of narcissi and daffodils, with over 450 varieties, as well as vast displays of tulips and much more. The gardens are extensive, covering 15 acres and wrapping around the outlet. They include the Japanese Garden, Jungle Island, and Sculpture Matrix. The award-winning gardens incorporate wetlands, an RSPB nature hide, and wide open vistas with rose walks, fountains, dahlias, and more.
Free to enter, the gardens are an attraction in their own right and a welcome addition to any visit. They host events throughout the year and provide a beautiful place to relax between shopping. Andy Boyton, Head Gardener for the SHS, concluded: “Springfields is not just a garden; it is a canvas of changing colors through the seasons. It is a true gem that showcases the region’s rich bulb-growing heritage while looking forward to the future in an ever-changing climate.”
A Leading Destination
The RHS Partner Garden status reinforces Springfields’ position as the leading outlet and leisure destination in the East of England. It offers a great value shopping experience set in an uplifting, healthy green environment.
