On Friday, June 19, key businesses and influential figures are uniting at an English Country Garden in Liverpool, to commemorate their shared vision and the creation of an inner-city oasis.

The Kirkdale Country Garden is one of five charity gardens Jo Malone London supports in the UK.  The gardens are supported through the sale of a Jo Malone London Limited Edition Charity Candle with a donation equal to the retail price (less VAT) going directly to the five charities.

The event celebrates The Kirkdale Country Garden and the partnership between Jo Malone London and Rotunda.

Also at the event, Simon O’Brien and other project supporters , Biffa Award, Liverpool Vision and Atlantic Gateway Parklands, will be celebrating the outstanding community asset and recognising the hard-work invested into the project.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said:

“This beautiful garden represents the power of partnerships and demonstrates the possibilities that are achievable when people share a vision and work together.

“The garden has grown into a centrepiece for the community and provides an environment of wellbeing and community pride for everyone across North Liverpool and further afield.”

The garden boasts a banqueting area, home to a Harvest table and benches – the ideal location for sharing mealtimes, a theatre area suited to pop-up community events, a working kitchen area, and a secret garden – the perfect hideaway for bringing stories to life.

Simon O’Brien, Actor, Environmentalist and Chair of the Green and Open Spaces Review Board, said:

“If anyone wants to see how to restore beautiful buildings to the highest quality and surround them with fabulous open space and inspiration, then go to Rotunda.

“Kirkdale is now home to a perfect example of how we can marry the past with the future – it’s just brilliant!”

Maxine Ennis, CEO of Rotunda, said:

“The transformation of this fabulous country garden represents the regeneration of the community at large. This garden is a catalyst for the rejuvenation of Kirkdale – we’re breathing new life into the area and providing increased opportunities for young and old alike.

“We’re setting the standard for the future of the area; challenging stereotypes and encouraging growth for our community. Rotunda has played a huge role in helping young people realise their potential through our alternative education provision and the future of our country garden will provide new pathways and bespoke courses.”

Rotunda is extending an invite to the local community to celebrate the hard-work invested into the garden between 2.30pm-5.30pm on Friday, June 19. Festivities will include; high tea, traditional games, musical entertainment and horticulture challenges.

Rotunda has also invited North Liverpool Academy (NLA) students to display their creative ideas for the new secret garden. At the celebratory event, the winning design will be announced, brought to life and installed in the secret garden.

Emma Jensen, Centre Manager of Rotunda, said:

“I’m so thankful to everyone who has been involved in the creation of our country garden, we can now invite the community to benefit from this beautiful space.

“We have the facilities for people to embark on horticulture courses, grow their own fruit, vegetables and plants, host events, watch theatre productions or just unwind in the beautiful surroundings. Rotunda is providing something for North Liverpool’s residents with this feel-good environment. We’re making history and uniting the area.

“Rotunda is lucky to have been supported by Jo Malone London and our other partners, their funding and vision has transformed the environment and will benefit generations to come.”