We are delighted to confirm the ‘D-Day 75 Garden‘ will go on to have a legacy after its debut at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May!
As the Show comes to a close on the evening Saturday 25th May, our team of volunteers will begin to dismantle the Garden. It will then be lifted in its entirety and transported to Normandy. With the help of the Royal Engineers, garden designer John Everiss will rebuild the Garden in 5 days on a beautiful site above Arromanches overlooking Gold Beach and the famous Mulberry Harbour. The ‘D-Day 75 Garden’ will be officially opened in the presence of 50 veterans on the 75th anniversary.
The Mayor of Arromanches-les-Bains, Patrick Jardin, said: “We are pleased and proud to give the D-Day 75 Garden a permanent home in our town of Arromanches. Thousands of people come here every year from all over the world to learn about the story of D-Day. This Garden epitomises that story and will inspire younger generations on the 75th anniversary and in years to come.”
This project has evolved into an inspiring, community driven story. It has captured the imagination of people across the country, who are keen to pay tribute to our surviving Normandy veterans. We have been thrilled to receive support from British & French businesses in the ambitious plan to transport the Garden from Chelsea to Arromanches…
All compost used in the rebuild of the ‘D-Day 75 Garden’ will be supplied free of charge by Bord na Mona’s ‘Growise’ brand. National Sales Manager, Jason Pike, said: “We are delighted to be associated with the D-Day 75 Garden; supporting a great cause and providing our award-winning compost. This project fits perfectly with our involvement in gardening and RHS Chelsea, whilst at the same time ensuring we never forget what our veteran heroes have done for this country.”
British supply chain company FreshLinc will provide three articulated lorries at no cost to transport the Garden from Chelsea down to Portsmouth, across the Channel to Caen and on to Arromanches. These vehicles will be liveried with ‘D-Day 75 Garden’ branding, featuring original photographs representing the experiences of the Tri-Services on D-Day.
FreshLinc Director, Lee Juniper, said: “I have often wondered what goes through our veterans’ minds when they reflect back on what they did all those years ago. That’s what the ‘D-Day 75 Garden’ is all about and to be able to help keep their story alive is a real privilege.”
For many years Brittany Ferries has helped veterans of the Normandy Campaign make the important journey back to France for the annual D-Day commemorations. This May they have agreed to give free passage to vehicles transporting the Garden across the Channel.
Brittany Ferries Communications Manager, Christopher Jones, said: “Our ships link the UK with the coast of Normandy year-round, making us ever-mindful of the close and historic bonds between the two. We’re proud to be supporting the D-Day 75 Garden, which will serve as a lasting memorial to those who lost their lives and to whom we owe such a huge debt of gratitude.”
To support this national project and create a lasting tribute to our Normandy veterans visit the crowdfunding page or TEXT “DDAY” to 70500 to donate £2. For business contributions please contact us directly.
