Described as 'a stunning work of art', this beautiful, unique and organic award-winning artist's garden, created by artists Maureen Sawyer and Duncan Watmough, is celebrating 25 years of opening for the National Garden Scheme this year. Southlands includes a Mediterranean garden, Ornamental garden and central Kitchen Garden.
Southlands has been described by visitors as 'totally inspirational' for its multi-award winning garden which unfolds into a series of beautiful spaces including Woodland, Mediterranean and Ornamental.
Southlands is a south facing town garden owned by artist and designer Maureen Sawyer. Over the years, Southlands has made appearances in many horticultural publications, television shows and gardening competitions.
Since winning the BBC Gardener of the Year for the North of England in 1999, Southlands has been featured in Gardeners' World magazine and at the 'Open Gardens Exhibition' at the Museum of Garden History, Lambeth Palace, representing the Cottage Garden Society in 2012. It was also a finalist in the 2012 Daily Mail National Garden Competition, and more recently featured on ITV Love Your garden (2016), BBC North West tonight (2017), in English Garden magazine and Garden Answers (2019), and on BBC Morning Live (2026).
Through the acquisition of a bursary provided by the National Gardens Scheme in 2024, Southlands took part in the WRAGS scheme to provide practical training for a mature student of horticulture.
2027: Celebrating 25 years opening for the National Garden Scheme. NGS Event dates:
Saturday 19th June, 6pm‑9pm Drinks and canapés with a complimentary glass of Buck's Fizz. Entrance fee £8 Sunday 18th July, 12pm‑6pm Home-made teas and the best cakes around! Live jazz. Entrance fee £5
