Springfield Designer Outlet and Leisure has become the first major UK shopping and leisure destination to be appointed an RHS Partner Garden.

Located in Spalding, Lincolnshire, the 15-acre Springfield Festival Garden first opened in 1966, managed by Springfields Horticultural Society (SHS), and boosts educational and sensory themed gardens.

A new project led by Ian Sanderson in 2004 saw the addition of new features added to the garden, including several past show gardens from the likes of RHS Chelsea Gold medal winner, Chris Beardshaw, RHS judge Stephen Woodhams, TV presenter Charlie Dimmock, and pop icon Kim Wilde.

Sanderson comments on this UK first, saying:

“The gardens are the heart and centre of Springfields, and we are very proud they have been appointed RHS Partner Garden status by the Royal Horticultural Society.”

Home to the UK’s national collection of narcissi and daffodils, tulip displays, Springfields also hosts gardens featuring wetlands, a RSPB nature hide and open vistas with rose walks, fountains and dahlias.

Joining over 250 other RHS partner gardens located across the UK and overseas, Springfield Festival Gardens is one that is free to enter all year round (excluding Christmas Day).