SOUTHGATE’S SECRET GARDEN TAKES CENTRE STAGE FOR SUMMER

SouthGate has launched its Secret Garden following the success of last year’s Wisteria Walkways.

Brightly-coloured flower archways will once again transform St Lawrence Street North and St Lawrence Street South throughout the summer.

This year the striking flower canopy features even more colour, brightening up shoppers’ days and providing the perfect photo opportunity.

In addition, 20 wicker dragonflies and butterflies can be found flying over and under the floral archways

The launch of Southgate’s Secret Garden coincides with the completion of SouthGate’s new landscaping works.

Visitors can now soak up the sun in pocket parks with mounded lawns, and picnic under giant parasols, taking in the apple tree planters and three specially commissioned artworks.

The totem poles, shadow lantern and wall of writing were all created following literacy workshops with local schoolchildren and feature words associated with Bath’s culture, attractions and heritage.

Guy Henderson, centre manager at SouthGate, said: “We’ve been busy over the last few months bringing these two projects together, but it’s great to launch both to the public in quick succession.

“We want to be known for our stunning summer installations, and the Wisteria Walkway went down so well last year that we decided to build on the botanical theme.”

As a sponsor of The Bath Festival’s Party in the City, SouthGate played host to an alfresco bash on Friday (17thMay) which saw up-and-coming bands from Bath College and three solo performers, Jon Pollard, Rosina Keri and Zoe Newton take to the stage.