The 180 acre Gardens in Ampfield, are marking their golden jubilee with the launch of a brand new Visitor and Education Pavilion dedicated to the memory of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother who first opened the gardens to the public in 1978.

The centre – which houses a restaurant, education facilities, gift shop and exhibition area – has been built around a large courtyard, and offers far-reaching views of the gardens and surrounding countryside.

It opened to the public on Friday 11 April and part of its success is due to the incredible 1,300 tonnes, or 62 lorry-loads, of Pro-Grow, which have been used in the landscaping scheme around the Pavilion.

The enormously successful and environmentally-friendly soil conditioner is made entirely from grass cuttings, hedge trimmings and other green material from Hampshire’s gardens, and has been produced by Onyx for the last six years.

An award winning product, Pro-Grow, is endorsed by groups such as Friends of the Earth and the Soil Association and is certified organic. It offers a much-needed alternative to peat-based products, which pose a serious threat to endangered lowland peat bogs.

Several years ago, Pro-Grow also assisted with the creation of the Hillier Arboretum’s 2.5 acre Winter Garden, which boasts more than 650 ‘winter-interest’ trees and shrubs, and is the largest garden of its kind in Europe. Many tonnes of Pro-Grow were used as part of this project and the Arboretum has become a regular user of the organic soil conditioner.

Peter Mills, composting manager for Onyx, said: "The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are widely acknowledged as one of the world’s truly great plant collections, and we are delighted to be able to help it mark its 50^th anniversary.

"It is particularly fitting that the recycled material from Hampshire’s householders is playing a part in enhancing and maintaining these magnificent gardens."

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PHOTO CAPTION – Pictured at the new Pavilion, Hilliers’ curator Mike Buffin (left) with Peter Mills, composting manager for Onyx.