Garden's Sweet Smell of Success

One of South Yorkshire's newest attractions which celebrates its fifth anniversary on Wednesday has already brought in six million visitors.

The Winter Garden in Sheffield was built to house thousands of plants from around the world.

But since opening in December 2002 it has proved so popular that millions have flocked to see the displays in the huge temperate glasshouse.

Civic officials and school choirs will mark the anniversary at the garden.

The structure was built in 2002 and houses 2,500 plants from around the world.

The glass and timber-framed building is one of the largest temperate glasshouses to be built in the country in the last 100 years and was officially opened by the Queen in May 2003.

Standing 22 metres high the garden is thought to be large enough to house 5,000 garden greenhouses.

Jan Wilson, leader of the city council, said: "The Winter Garden has been a venue for hundreds of events, exhibitions and performances and it has grown to be an important part of the city for both visitors and residents.

"It is great that we are celebrating its fifth anniversary in a way that everyone can enjoy, either having a free mince pie or by listening to the children's performance."

Sheffield-born Michael Palin, who is a patron of the garden, said: "It's a simple but powerful building, and I especially like the way the bold timber arches mix so successfully with a traditionally brick and stone city.

"More than that the Winter Garden enhances both the skyline of Sheffield and the quality of life for those who live, work and visit the city centre."