A SENSE of celebration is in the air at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens as Hampshire County Council marks four decades since the award-winning venue officially opened under its trusteeship.

Council leader Roy Perry, who is a trustee of Hillier Gardens, was joined, last Tuesday, by Hampshire CC chairman Elaine Still, and director of the gardens, Wolfgang Bopp, together with 10 Hampshire couples celebrating their 40-year wedding anniversary, for a commemorative tree planting at the world-renowned venue near Romsey.

Mr Perry said: “Since Sir Harold Hillier left the legacy of the gardens to the county council, our staff and volunteers have continued to develop and care for the remarkable collection of trees, shrubs and hardy plants, all with a focus on horticulture, conservation, education and recreation.

“We are delighted to have marked this special 40-year anniversary with the Hillier family by way of a tree planting, and to have been joined by couples who were married 40 years ago.

“The outstanding features of the gardens set across 180 acres – including 400 champion trees - have been well-loved by visitors of all ages from around the world over the last four decades.

“Last year, we welcomed a record-breaking 200,000 visitors, of which more than 13,000 were schoolchildren.”

Running until September 3, young visitors will be able to enjoy the ‘Flower Fairies Summer Garden Trail’, inspired by Cicely Mary Barker’s classic illustrations, by taking part in the interactive trail to find 12 fairies featured along the way.

Mr Perry added: “We always look forward to welcoming more visitors to the gardens, particularly at this time of the summer season, so that they can see the grounds in their full glory.”