00:00For generations, Sefton Park Palm House has been part of the landscape of South Liverpool.
00:05Now the Grade 2 listed glass house is marking 25 years since it reopened following a major restoration.
00:13Its September anniversary programme is celebrating its history, horticulture and role in bringing people, plants and the community together.
00:22So throughout this month we are celebrating 25 years of having the Palm House back to use and enjoy.
00:31At the centre of the programme is the Save It exhibition looking back at the local campaign that helped protect
00:36the building from complete disrepair and secure its restoration.
00:41The campaign was led by people who wanted to see the building returned to the heart of the community.
00:46So I am stood in front of the Save It exhibition which tells the story of saving the Palm House.
00:53The Palm House was saved 25 years ago this September and reopened the 6th of September 2001.
00:59The building has had an extraordinary history including war damage, years of disrepair and periods when it was inaccessible.
01:07A fundraising campaign eventually helped secure its restoration with the Palm House reopening in 2001.
01:12It's such a story of people power and really not giving up, fighting for something that you truly believe in
01:21and I find it really inspirational.
01:24The anniversary celebrations are continuing throughout September.
01:27The programme will culminate in Grow Your Own Day on the 29th of September, focusing on growing, sharing knowledge and
01:35getting closer to nature.
01:36We have been going to Southport Flower Show for the last four years.
01:40We got the trophy for the most creative exhibit in the Grand Floral Marquee and what the display was, was
01:49half of it was before the restoration, so showing the Palm House 25 years ago.
01:54Our gardener thinks it will last a few months because it is outside, so open to the elements.
02:00The events form part of a wider year-long programme, including talks, late openings, fundraising and Christmas party nights.
02:08So we have Meet the Gardener with Colin, we have anniversary lectures, so there's a series of four lectures every
02:17Thursday.
02:17The last one is on the 1st of October at 1pm and they are free to attend but you do
02:23need to go on and reserve a seat.
02:25And they cover a wide range of topics from the Liverpool herbarium to what medicines we get from plants.
02:35We're taking part in the heritage open days for the very first time.
02:40And of course you can come when there's absolutely nothing on and just sit and have a lovely cup of
02:46tea.
02:46It originally opened in 1886 as the jewel in the crown of Sefton Park.
02:52That means this year also marks 130 years since it first opened.
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