THE garden of a Whitchurch pub has become a haven of nature for diners thanks to a combination of staff and a passionate horticulturalist.

Michael Kemp, from Chirk in Wrexham, has turned a modest project to create outdoor dining at the rear of the Black Bear pub in High Street, into a perfect nature haven.

His colleague in the endeavour, Lynne Gilmore – a former mental health nurse and Rolling Stones fan who is in remission from non-Hodgkin lymphoma – has adopted the garden with love in her role as the pub’s housekeeper.

Lynne said: “The garden is totally absorbing, where everyone’s good health is boosted.

“This place has become a little heaven.”

She has joined forces with Michael and their combined skills have resulted in a fragrant, nature-friendly garden.

Attractive to butterflies and bees, the garden contains more than 100 plant species alongside the history of St Alkmunds’ Church, and has become a regular stopping place for new and regular visitors to Whitchurch.

OTHER NEWS:

Michael, who lives in Chirk, has a long history in horticulture and has previously worked closely with an enthusiastic team of workers and supporters to reclaim site materials, source seeds and plants to transform the former car park.

“Plants are chosen for their fragrance and colour through the seasons,” said Michael, who is previously from Kent and a qualified florist and NAFAS demonstrator.

Their work has been praised by bosses at the pub.

“Michael and Lynne are a great team,” says Gemma Dimelow, pub manager, who is looking forward to sharing plans of outdoor festivities set for the King’s Coronation Weekend and other summer celebrations.

A pub spokesman added: “Lynne has eagerly adopted the daily maintenance of the new garden as part of her daily round, sowing seeds, cultivating plants, weeding and hoeing.

“She is affectionately known as “Lady Jag”, and has taken on her new role with loving care.

“When she receives the call, she rocks into action to supply fresh herbs from the garden to flavour foods cooked by chefs in the kitchen as well as for cocktails on the bar.

Want to stay up to date with all the latest stories from Whitchurch and the surrounding area? Click here to sign up for our morning and daily email newsletters and click on the + for the 'Morning Briefing' and the 'Daily Catch-Up'.

“The new garden haven is a place and space where relaxation and timeout are all part of the daily agenda. It has become the talk of the town.

“Climbing roses, Clematis, Honeysuckle and Wisteria thrive as the nearby church clock strikes the hour.

“Ferns, grasses, trees and shrubs wave gently in the breeze as the bustle of regular town trading continues.”

For more, email info@blackbearwhitchurch.co.uk or call 01948 663800.