Southport landmarks get new lease of life in unique garden
A NOSTALGIC show garden at Southport Flower Show features pillars from the original Victorian Marine Bridge.
Jonty Murphy, the owner of Southport Demolition and Jonty Murphy Designer, has been appointed to demolish various Southport landmarks during his career.
One of the most iconic landmarks he has dismantled is the original Victorian Marine Bridge, where the new Marine Way Bridge now stands.
After dismantling, Jonty kept the “legs” of the bridge and has now incorporated them into his show garden, Once Upon A Times, at Southport Flower Show 2018.
The garden also boasts an impressive water feature which is made up of an anchor which was found stuck at the end of Southport Pier, and a cleat from 1750 which was used to tie the tall ships at Birkenhead.
Speaking of his design, Jonty said: “The show garden is based on Victorian Southport, and is made up of the old legs of the Marine Bridge and an anchor which was found at the end of Southport Pier.
“Judging by the size of the anchor, it it was probably from one of the steam ferries that used to travel to Lytham.”
The interesting garden is also centred around a Victorian centre doorway from 22 Trafalgar Road, Southport – which was one of the original Victorian villas – and windows from a Victorian Church.
The 53-year-old added: “I am really happy with how it has turned out, it is really unique.
“Everyone who has seen it has loved it and can’t believe it’s made up of these historical elements.”
The show garden is set to remain in Victoria Park for a month after the show has finished and Jonty said he is currently in talks with Southport Flower Show and Sefton Council about making it a permanent fixture, although nothing has yet been confirmed.