WE'RE all familiar with the Blue Peter garden from our childhood. Indeed, Blue Peter itself is the longest-running children's programme in the world, being broadcast for the first time in 1958. The show and its garden have been known to children for generations.
Now, the famous garden is being planted in a landscaped area outside Dock House, MediCity in Salford which will be officially opened on Thursday 23 February by Princess Anne. It will then be opened to the public.
"Members of the public can enjoy it and see first-hand Blue Peter memorabilia."
The original Italian sunken garden and fish pond, located at BBC Television Centre, London, was designed by the late Percy Thrower in 1978. In 1983 there was national outrage as the much-loved garden was targeted by vandals, who stamped on plants, broke stonework and poured oil in the pond killing many of the fish.
The hand, foot and paw prints of the presenters and animals who appeared on the show when the garden was created, will be incorporated in the new design, which has been landscaped by Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins.
The garden will also include a bust of Petra, the children's show's first ever dog and an ornamental fishpond.
A statue of Mabel, another of the show's longest-serving pet dogs, and a sculpture of the Blue Peter ship logo will be moved to the reception area at the site.
The show's new home at Salford Quays will include an area accessible to members of the public.
Tim Levell, Blue Peter editor, said “We're excited about being able to open up the garden so viewers can come along and visit it. By placing it in the MediaCityUK piazza, members of the public can enjoy it and see first-hand Blue Peter memorabilia.”
