Garden centre’s rare lilac appeal
● A WIDNES garden centre is encouraging green-fingered members of the public to scour their gardens in search of a one-ofa-kind lilac.
Rivendell said the ‘ Maud Notcutt’ lilac, which was first sold in 1956, was named in honour of Maud Hetty Notcutt, the wife of Roger Crompton Notcutt who founded the centre’s parent company Notcutts 120 years ago.
A Notcutts spokeswoman said Maud was a pioneering and strong female figure in the horticultural industry and kept the business running when her husband and son tragically died in the same year in 1938.
She said the Maud Notcutt lilac blooms from May to June and is upright arching, reaching heights of up to 4.5 metres with flowers up to 30cm long.
It is identified by its heart-shaped, dark green leaves and fragrant pure white blooms.
Caroline Notcutt, Maud Notcutt’s great granddaughter and Notcutts Gar- den Centre’s vice chairwoman, said: “As part of our 120th anniversary we’d like to find and re-introduce Maud’s lilac, which recognises her powerful story and instrumental impact on the Notcutts business.
“We’re encouraging anyone who has this rare and beautiful lilac in their garden to get in touch and help us continue her legacy.”
Colin Dale, Notcutts head of gardening and plants, said: “May is the time of the year when we see lilacs blossom and produce a beautiful fragrance around our gardens and green spaces.
“They love the sunlight, so look in the areas of your garden that catch most of the sun’s rays during the day.”
Residents who think they have a Maud Notcutt lilac in their garden can send a photograph to the firm to be in with the chance of being one of five winners of a £50 Notcutts voucher.
Entries must be in by June 30 to qualify for the prize draw.