Queen Mary 2 returned "to her spiritual home" to celebrate her 400th transatlantic crossing

THE Queen Mary 2 has made yet more history by returning to Liverpool for a very special occasion, it's 400th transatlantic crossing since she entering service in 2004.

But why did Cunard's remarkable flagship cruise liner stop over in Liverpool? Cunard President Katie McAlister told the media that:- "Cunard's 184 year connection with Liverpool is something truly special. It is woven into the history of both our company and the City of Liverpool. It feels right to celebrate this milestone in the Port where our transatlantic journey began in 1840, and where our newest ship:- Queen Anne, was recently named by the City of Liverpool."

To find out more about Queen Mary 2 and also Cunard please visit:- Cunard.Com.

Did you know the very 1st transatlantic passenger crossing for Cunard was undertaken by a the paddle steamer:- 'RMS Britannia' which left the River Mersey bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Boston on:- 4 July 1840. A journy that took taking 12 days and 10 hours. Company ships have crossed the Atlantic every year since then, exept for a short time over the Covid19 Pandemic.

What makes an Ocean Liner different to a Cruise Ship or a Ferry? You'll often find a similar amount of passengers onboard, but a Liner is a passenger ship whose primary purpose is to travel across seas or rivers. A Cruise Ships function is deliver pleasure voyages rather than for transportation. A ferry is also different as its purpose is to transport people and cargo from 1 destination to the other, often for short journeys whereas cruise ships sail for weeks at a time.

Berried treasure this autumn British Garden Centres

AUTUMN is a season of vibrant colours, cosy jumpers, and the delightful crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. But for many gardeners, the true magic of autumn lies in its bountiful harvest of berries. British Garden Centres offer a variety of shrubs and trees which offer a stunning display of colourful berries that can last well into winter, providing a visual feast for your outdoor space and beneficial for wildlife. The plant team has put together some of the most popular autumn berried plants for your autumnal garden.

Skimmia: Skimmia is an evergreen shrub that adds a touch of elegance to any garden, even in the middle and winter. It produces clusters of fragrant flowers in spring, followed by vibrant red or white berries that persist throughout the autumn and winter months. Skimmia is ideal for shady spots and can be grown in containers or as a hedge. They are low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, so ideal for a beginner gardener.

Callicarpa: Callicarpa, commonly known as beautyberry, is a deciduous shrub that boasts an exceptional display of berries in autumn. After its leaves drop, it reveals clusters of small, vibrant purple berries that can last for several months. Beautyberries are a favourite of birds and other wildlife, but they are also a stunning addition to any garden. They are easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions.

Cotinus: Cotinus, also known as the smoke tree, is a deciduous shrub that produces fluffy plumes of flowers in spring and summer. These flowers are followed by clusters of small, papery fruits that can be red, pink, or purple in the autumn months. Cotinus gets its name from the way its fruits resemble wisps of smoke. It is a low-maintenance plant that is drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil conditions.

Pyracantha: Pyracantha, commonly known as firethorn, is an evergreen shrub that produces clusters of small, white flowers in spring, followed by masses of vibrant red, orange, or yellow berries in autumn. Pyracanthas are popular for their dense, thorny growth habit, which makes them ideal for hedges and privacy plantings. They are also a favourite of birds and other wildlife when winter food is sparse. Pyracanthas are relatively low maintenance but require regular pruning to maintain their shape.

Gaultheria: Gaultheria, commonly known as wintergreen, is a low-growing evergreen shrub that produces clusters of bright red berries that add interest throughout the winter. The berries are edible and have a sweet, minty flavour. They are also used to make wintergreen oil, which is used in a variety of products, including:- toothpaste and mouthwash. Wintergreen is a low-maintenance plant that is ideal for ground covers and rock gardens.

Viburnum davidii: |Commonly known as David's viburnum, this evergreen shrub produces bright blue berries that persist throughout the winter. David's viburnum is a popular choice for gardens because of its attractive foliage and showy berries. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that prefers moist, well drained soil.

Viburnum opulus: Also known as snowball bush, this deciduous shrub produces large, red berries in autumn. Snowball bush berries are a favourite of birds and other wildlife. They are also used to make jams and jellies. This autumn interest beauty is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can grow in a variety of soil conditions.

English holly (Ilex aquifolium): A classic evergreen shrub or small tree well known for its dark green leaves with sharp spines and bright red berries. It is a popular choice for gardens, particularly during the autumn and the Christmas season, as its festive appearance adds a touch of cheer to the winter garden. English holly is known for its durability and can be grown in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile addition to many gardens. Its dense, thorny growth habit also makes it a suitable choice for hedges and privacy screens. While it can be slow-growing, English holly can live for centuries, providing a lasting presence in the garden.

Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres said:- "These are just a few of the many beautiful and beneficial autumn berried plants available in store that you can grow in your garden to create colour and interest that will last well into winter. You'll also be providing a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife. So why not take advantage of the beauty and bounty that autumn has to offer and speak to our knowledgeable team about making the most of your autumn garden."

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK's largest family-owned garden centre group with 65 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by The Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.
BGC was launched in 1987 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018 it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now with 65 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham.

The group has a team of 2,700 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody's Restaurant & Bar.

News reports located on this page = 2.

Queen Mary 2 returned "to her spiritual home" to celebrate her 400th transatlantic crossing

Berried treasure this autumn British Garden Centres