People wishing to honour the life of a loved one, celebrate a special occasion or simply support local parks can now sponsor a special heart-shaped leaf adorning a new fence at the Botanical Gardens in Bath.

The fence is designed to look like rambling sweetheart ivy and has recently been installed by Bath & North East Somerset Council to offer another option for people wanting to celebrate someone or something special.

Each sponsored ivy leaf can be engraved with a short message and a second leaf is given to the sponsor to keep at home as a memento.

The cost is £250 per leaf and the income will be used to protect and improve Bath and North East Somerset’s parks and open spaces.

The fence is currently three metres long and will be extended around the gardens as the project develops.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “The delightful Botanical Gardens date back to 1887 and feature one of the finest collections of plants in the country. This project is a chance for you to become part of the story of the Gardens.

“Sponsoring a leaf that will be on display in the Gardens is a way to pay tribute to that special someone or give a meaningful gift that lasts. You will also be helping to fund parks projects, including additional tree planting to help tackle the climate emergency, enhancing the beautiful landscapes we enjoy in Bath and North East Somerset for generations to come.”

Please email [email protected] for more information or to arrange sponsoring a leaf.

Find out more about the Botanical Gardens