If you think Northumbria in Bloom is all about hanging baskets, think again! We explore how our Gold winner, the Botanic Garden, contributes to our sustainability commitments and highlight what is on offer during the festive season at our visitor attractions.
We are lucky to be based in the beautiful city of Durham, an area rich in woodland and parks just a stone's throw from our university grounds.
This autumn was one to remember for Durham in the annual Northumbria in Bloom awards, with Durham City winning Best Small City, and our Botanic Garden taking home a Gold Award in the 'Tourist, Visitor Attraction or Country Estate' category.
Other Gold winners included Auckland Walled Garden and Washington Old Hall, with the overall category winner being Alnwick Gardens.
More about Northumbria in Bloom
Northumbria in Bloom is part of the UK-wide Britain in Bloom campaign run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The competition, now in its 60th year, has moved on significantly over the years, focusing more on conservation, biodiversity and improving horticultural standards in recent times than judging hanging baskets and flower displays.
Peter Thomson, Manager of the Botanic Garden and Dave Profit, Head of Maintenance Services, accepted the Gold award on our behalf.
Peter explained: “The Botanic Garden achieved Gold standard in all three elements of the competition: our horticultural or gardening knowledge, skills and practice, our environmental responsibility, and finally the level of community participation and engagement from local people.”
Peter Thomson (left) and Dave Profit (right) being presented the award by Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington
The judging process and our commitment to sustainability
Judging took place on two occasions this year, in April and July. The judges visited the Garden and fantastic Spring bulbs and Summer bedding displays on show. They also got to see the rest of the 20 hectare site which includes native woodland, wildflower meadows and glasshouse for visitors to explore, as well as a collection of artwork to discover around the Garden.
Peter said:
The visits gave us the chance to highlight how the Botanic Garden contributes towards the University’s Biodiversity Strategy and what makes us one of the top 20 Universities in the world for Sustainability in the QS Rankings.
“We had the chance to explain to the judges our involvement in community projects, including schools and community partnerships and introduce the dedicated volunteer group, Friends of the Garden.”
Plan your visit
From crafts to blowing the cobwebs away on a winter walk, there's plenty to see and do at the Botanic Garden this festive season.
There's also plenty going on at our other visitor attractions – a selection of upcoming events is shown below. Times are correct at the time of publication, but please check our What’s On website for opening hours before travelling.
Festive Wreath making (£45)
Botanic Garden
Saturday 30 November 2024, 12pm-2pm
Join Sue Elsdon in the Glasshouse for a festive wreath making workshop. All materials will be provided. Please contact sueelizabethfloraldesign@gmail.com to book your place.
Festive Flower Demonstration (Normal admission charges apply)
Botanic Garden
Sunday 1 December 2024, 12pm-2pm
Discover new ways to decorate your home this Christmas with festive flower demonstration in the Glasshouse.
Countdown to Christmas Craft Workshop (5-11 years, free)
Oriental Museum
Saturday 21 December 2024, 1pm-3pm
Find out how Christmas is celebrated around the world and decorate ceramic Christmas decorations to take home. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturnalia Trail (free)
Monday 9 December – Monday 6 January 2024
Museum of Archaeology
Discover how Romans celebrated this festive period with feasts, gift-giving, and social role reversals in honour of Saturn, the god of agriculture in this trail around the gallery.
This is free and open to all. No need to book - just drop into Palace Green Library and enjoy your visit.