About Us

Birth of a Vision

In 1964, a group of Spalding's leading bulb growers came up with an ambitious plan: to create a permanent show garden similar to the famous Keukenhof in Holland. Through grants, loans, and donations, they bought a 22-acre field on the edge of Spalding. Over eighteen months, the land was carefully transformed with woodlands, formal flower beds, and a lake. The final touch came with the planting of one million bulbs—a remarkable commitment to gardening excellence.

When Springfields Gardens opened in April 1966, the public response was immediate and overwhelming. The Springfields Horticultural Society was created as a charity to look after this wonderful space, dedicated to teaching people about bulb-growing while celebrating the health and social benefits of gardening.

Royal Recognition and Growing Fame

The gardens have welcomed distinguished visitors throughout their history, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in 1986 and HRH, The Princess Royal in 2004, both of whom planted trees that still grow in the grounds today. Millions have enjoyed the seasonal displays, while the Society has run an active programme of educational talks, demonstrations, and community events.

Transformation and Renewal

By the early 1990's, the charity's trustees faced a difficult situation: falling visitor numbers, decreasing income, and the growing challenge of maintaining the gardens during the short eight-week spring season. After carefully considering different funding options, they created an innovative partnership with Thornfield Properties.

Nearly ten years in the making, this partnership led to the May 2004 opening of Springfields Outlet Shopping and Festival Gardens—a £30 million transformation that secured the gardens' future. The partnership, later bought by UBS in 2006, included £2.3 million for garden improvements and brought together horticulture, shopping, and family entertainment. Most importantly, the gardens became free to enter year-round, removing barriers to public access.

Preserving National Treasures

In 2009, when the Horticultural Research International site at Kirton faced closure, Springfields stepped in to rescue over 400 daffodil varieties from being destroyed. This collection, previously maintained by Warwick University, now forms the heart of the Springfields Daffodil Collection—a living record of our botanical heritage.

The Gardens Today

Fifteen acres of professionally maintained landscapes include woodland walks, water features, and seasonal displays that provide year-round interest. The gardens represent more than gardening excellence—they show a community's dedication to preserving heritage, promoting wellbeing, and sharing the positive power of connecting with nature.