A floral installation that transforms the historic walled garden at Oakwell Hall into a stunning sanctuary of pink peonies, raising awareness and funds for The Kirkwood, from 8th March through 12th April — free to visit for all
Last weekend, I took my family to Oakwell Hall for a lovely, wholesome day out, inspired by The Kirkwood adding their “Mothers in Bloom” event to our local calendar.
Having lived in Birstall (a few decades ago) I already had a fondness for Oakwell Hall — it is where I used to walk my landlady’s dog.
So as the weather was dry and my child and her friend were open to the idea of doing something (despite her persistent requests to visit a trampoline park), I seized the opportunity.
The Kirkwood’s “Mothers in Bloom” installation in the walled garden of Oakwell Hall & Country Park, shares a similar theme with the Poppies at the Tower of London, which later toured the country.
At Oakwell Hall, 1,000 handmade and hand-painted metal pink peonies are on display.
The handcrafted peony flowers stand around 50cm tall. Each flower is available for purchase at £30, and buyers can add a handwritten, personalized dedication.
These dedications aren’t limited to memorials — they can also celebrate a mum, mother figure or other loved one to show them how much they are appreciated, whilst they are still with us.
Importantly, anyone can purchase a flower; you don’t need any prior connection to The Kirkwood.
Once the installation ends, purchasers have several options:
- they can collect their peony as a keepsake,
- have it posted for an additional £7,
- or donate it back to The Kirkwood to help “grow” future campaigns.
Dedications and purchases can be made easily online via The Kirkwood’s website – https://www.thekirkwood.org.uk/how-you-can-help/campaigns/mothers-day-in-bloom.
Over the past year, The Kirkwood has faced significant funding cuts, making community support more crucial than ever.
Anya from The Kirkwood explained:
“Rising costs, increasing demand for our services, and ongoing financial pressures have created a financial crisis for The Kirkwood. With only around a quarter of our funding coming from the NHS, we have relied heavily on the generosity of local communities to continue providing care.
At the same time, the cost-of-living crisis has affected people’s ability to give, just when support was needed most. That’s why support from our local community is now more important than ever.
Campaigns like Mother’s Day in Bloom not only raise vital funding for the care we provide, but also raise awareness of our work and bring communities together to celebrate loved ones. It’s about creating moments of remembrance and support and coming together for a compassionate cause that touches many lives.”
The installation is open to the public at Oakwell Hall until 12th April, and I highly recommend a visit.
Oakwell Hall & Country Park is always a great day out, offering play areas for younger children, nature trails and expansive open spaces to admire the scenery, enjoy fresh air and escape the hustle and bustle.
It’s also an excellent spot for walking dogs. While certain areas require dogs to be on leads for safety, there’s plenty of room to let them run free and enjoy the outdoors.
There are numerous trails around the vast area, some of which meander over streams and brooks – perfect for playing pooh sticks.
At the heart of the park is Oakwell Hall itself, which is an Elizabethan manor house and is Grade I listed.
The hall is free to visit and look around, with plenty to see, learn and explore – they even have period dressing up and plenty of information and activity sheets to keep inquisitive minds occupied and informed.
Don’t miss the café, which serves a menu of hot and cold food and beverages, including dog ice cream and some of the best chips ever! (even the husband agreed they were pretty good).
Is there somewhere that you like to visit? Whether its for work, rest or play, if there is somewhere that you would recommend we would love to hear about it!
The best way to get in touch is using our chat function on the website – its a person that responds not a robot – however in honesty, the way that works best for you, works for us. We just want to hear from!
For more information about the Mothers in Bloom event please visit our Local Calendar where you will find the event listed – https://www.workrestorplay.co.uk/events
Alternatively to find out more about The Kirkwood, including contact details please visit their directory listing –