Garden gift to peace centre

Children from war-torn countries across the world will be able to enjoy the fantasies of Alice in Wonderland – thanks to an award-winning show garden.

Items from the garden – which won a gold award at the Royal Horticultural Society show at Tatton Park – are to be given to the Warrington Peace Centre. They include giant teacups carved from natural wood, a tree bearing a carving of the Cheshire Cat, mirrors and a croquet mallet and hoops woven from willow.
Colin Parry, who founded the Peace Centre in memory of his son, Tim and Jonathan Ball, who both died in the IRA bombing at Warrington in 1993, said: “We are delighted to be receiving these items.”

The “All About Alice” was created by David Fountain, landscape director with house builders Countryside Properties, with help from pop singer turned gardening expert Kim Wilde, sculptor Dennis Heath and designer Alexandra James. David said: “I loved creating this garden.”

Alan Cherry, chairman of Countryside Properties, said: “It is good to know part of it will live on at the Peace Centre and bring pleasure to young people.”

Jane Peterson also won gold in the back-to-back garden category.