Gardening enthusiasts turned out in force for a spring fayre with a difference in Southport at the weekend.

The event at the New Leaf garden centre on Rotten Row featured a wide range of items created by people who use the services of the borough’s leading adult social care provider, New Directions.

Organisers say that, with the help of the balmy weekend weather, they welcomed a steady stream of shoppers to their Park Lodge site throughout the day.

Seasonal garden items on offer at the event included colourful hanging baskets, bedding plants and filled tubs, pots and other containers.

Customers were also able to choose from a wide range of gardening gifts and wooden craft items, most of them unique to New Leaf.

Refreshments were available at the event, which also featured an art exhibition of work produced by people who attend New Directions services.

Special guests at the spring fayre included live band Riverside Ukulele who entertained shoppers with their varied repertoire of musical memories.

And there was also an impromptu appearance by Merseyside Police horses Arnie and Jake who called into the spring fayre on their way to official duties at the Betfred British Masters golf event at nearby Hillside Golf Club.

New Leaf Project Co-ordinator, Angela Green, commented: “Everyone here worked extremely hard to prepare for the spring fayre, so we’re very pleased at the excellent turnout on the day.

“It’s very satisfying for the people who attend the centre to see shoppers’ interest in the products they have created with the help of the new green-fingered and creative skills they have acquired.”

Service Manager, Paula Scott, added: “This was a very successful event and another example of the great work that’s being done by the whole team at New Leaf, and what a valuable resource it is for the people who use its services.”

* For more details about New Leaf and the centre’s opening hours – 10am until 4pm on weekdays with Saturday opening as well for the summer - ring 01704 562406.

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Note-able success - people who attend New Leaf, staff, volunteers, shoppers and members of Riverside Ukulele pictured at the event.
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Hanging baskets galore - New Leaf team members (from left) Matthew Barlow, Joyce Doyle, Barbara Gannon and David Spalenice show off the colourful displays.
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Can-do attitude - New Leaf volunteer and Riverside Ukulele band member Ethel Clarke helps to keep the garden centre products in tip-top condition.
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Brewing up - volunteer Pat Fennell serves customers in the pop-up cafe at the event.
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You’ve been framed - staff members (from left) Angela Green, Barbara Gannon and Joyce Doyle pictured with one of the popular wooden craft items.
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Surprise guests - police horses Arnie and Jake made an impromptu visit to the event on their way to the Betfred British Masters golf event at Hillside.
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Pleased to meet you - young Alicia Millington is introduced to Merseyside Police horse Arnie.
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Floral dance - the colourful displays attracted a steady stream of shoppers throughout the day.