FARNHAM Town Council has marked the 80th anniversary of Squire’s Garden Centre, Gold sponsor of Farnham in Bloom, by way of a floral tribute.

Squire’s has donated plants from its ‘80th Anniversary Collection’, a range of favourite plants over the last 80 years, to make a flower bed in Gostrey Meadow,

The flower bed, which is close to the war memorial, has been planted with 10 varieties of herbaceous perennials and roses, which are said to be the favourites of Squire’s deputy chairman, Sarah Squire. The collection includes clematis, geraniums, magnolia and fragrant jasmine, lavender and erysimum.

Stephen Hill, the town council’s lead member for Farnham in Bloom, said: “Squire’s is a long-term sponsor of Farnham in Bloom and so we wanted to congratulate them for achieving 80 years of being in business.

“Unfortunately, within days of planting the bed, it was targeted by vandals who proceeded to remove two of the wooden obelisks and trample on some of the plants. Although this is very disappointing, we do plan to repair the damage so that the majority of park visitors can enjoy a lovely area of planting as was originally intended.”

The plants chosen by Sarah are described as a mix of old favourites and newer introductions, which have proved themselves to be worthy choices for the garden.

Sarah said:The flowerbed is situated close to the war memorial, in what is a really beautiful public park, with a traditional bandstand and stream running through it.

“Gostrey Meadow is a lovely space for local people to enjoy, and I hope that they enjoy the flowers in the Squire’s flowerbed for a long time to come.” “