Sandfords Dahlia Gardens
Sandfords
Dahlia Gardens became world famous. They were started in 1912 by Mr Sandford and
his daughter and during the 1920s Mr Sandford began specialising in Dahlias and
Michaelmas Daisies. In 1934 Alec Bailey joined the firm and a year later the
size of the gardens increased from one and one-quarter acres to two and
three-quarter acres. Perhaps it was the intricate designs used to set out the
gardens or the multitude of colours - or both - that made the gardens a popular
attraction.
When
the Sandfords opened the gardens in aid of charity in the 1950s, visitors came
by the coach load from far and near to enjoy the spectacle. Unfortunately, the gardens were closed in the late 1960's and
now Sandford's Garden Centre occupies the site.
Copyright 2000: C. Peachey, Phylis Ferguson - U.S.A. (photos)
