This wall holds special memories of Furzey Gardens from people connected to the gardens over its rich history.

Tell us your story and make a donation to leave a lasting legacy as part of our centenary year. You will be helping to secure a thriving future for the gardens.

If you’ve got a special memory to share, please email marketing@minsteadtrust.org.uk with an image and details.

Special Years centenary memories

Family

Gardens

2010s

Our wedding day: Joanna and John

Furzey Gardens is where we celebrated our Wedding on 17/6/2011.

Gardens

Learning disability

2010s

Enjoying working at Furzey Gardens

I have enjoyed working at furzey gardens love the people and customers and this year is special

Family

Gardens

1930s

Long succession of gardeners

My green fingers come from a long succession of gardeners in the Edser family. The one I pay most credit to is my dad, Robin, who turned 90 last year.

Enjoying summer evenings at Furzey Gardens: Katy and Ian Clark

We have enjoyed several wonderful summer evening plays at Furzey Gardens in recent years.

Family

2010s

2017 Special Years Exclusive Supporter: Christos Lazari Foundation

The most special year for Christos Lazari Foundation was 2017, the year of its inception, in honour of the late Christos Lazari.

Remembering George: Hazel and Keith

We marked the tenth anniversary of the loss of our dear son by making a donation to Furzey Gardens in George’s memory.

Family

Learning disability

1990s

Finding my brother: Adam Dodd

In 1994, when I was seventeen, I decided I wanted to see my long-lost brother who has learning disabilities. This experience transformed my view of the care industry.

Gardens

Learning disability

2020s

Finding solace at Furzey: Sean, Liam, Jason and Matt:

During the COVID pandemic Furzey Gardens was a place of solace for many people with learning disabilities. As the garden celebrates its centenary, Sean, Liam, Jason and Matt tell us about their own special year memories.

Honouring my family: Dawn Wood

My mother was always interested and proud of my work and, as her sister had a learning disability, it feels good to honour the memory of my family through the Special Years’ Appeal.

Learning disability

1970s

Joining the Minstead Lodge community: Mike Burson-Thomas

I arrived at Minstead Lodge early in 1977 to join the community that Tim Selwood had established there.

Gardens

Learning disability

1980s

Founding the training project at Furzey: Martin Lenaerts

We first started the training project for people with learning disabilities in a field adjoining Furzey Gardens in 1986 and it grew from there.

Gardens

1980s

Lucky to call Furzey Gardens my workplace: Dawn Wood

I can't believe I am lucky enough to call Furzey Gardens my workplace.