ONE of Hampshire's best-known plant centres is celebrating its 60th anniversary by helping schools across the county to improve the landscape.

Fairweather's Garden Centre - part of the 7,000-acre Beaulieu Estate - has launched an eco-friendly campaign called 60 Trees for 60 Schools.

Staff are inviting education establishments and children’s charities to choose one of three types of tree to plant in their grounds.

The first tree has already been planted. Lord Montagu performed the ceremony during a visit to the village school, which is next door to Fairweather's.

The garden centre was founded by the late Christopher Fairweather and is now run by his son Patrick.

He said: "We want to ensure Hampshire’s school grounds are green and welcoming spaces for the children of the future.

"Trees can provide shade for outside learning as well as vital habitats for wildlife.

"We hope the memory of planting a tree will remain with school children and encourage them to continue to garden and invest in our landscape in the future."

The Fairweather's story began in 1959, when Christopher joined the staff at nearby Exbury Gardens. At the time his future wife Aline was running her own landscaping company in London.

The garden centre opened in 1961 on a site previously occupied by Beaulieu Estate workshops and allotments.

Patrick joined the business in 1991 and still runs it today with the help of Aline and his wife Steff.

In the 1990s Christopher became something of a local celebrity, appearing regularly as The Plant Doctor alongside Paula Yates on The Big Breakfast.

In 2000 the garden centre's newly-extended shop was officially opened by Lady Montagu.

A productive garden known as Patrick's Patch was created on a nearby site in 2008 and a cafe called Steff's Kitchen opened in 2011.

People attending the 60th anniversary celebrations were given an overview of Fairweather's, which began as an evening and weekend project and grew into a thriving business.

Patrick spoke about his father, who died in 2007, and how proud he would be if he could see the centre today.

He thanked past and present members of staff including Sue Greaves, who has retired after 32 years.

He said Sue’s infectious laughter and knowledge of plants would be missed by colleagues and customers alike.

Patrick added: "We have seen many changes, we have great loyal customers and staff who have helped us on our journey."

CONTACT ME

t: 023 8042 4503

e: chris.yandell@

dailyecho.co.uk