LIVERPOOL University vice chancellor Prof Sir Drummond Bone opened up the Vice Chancellor’s lodge to the public for the first time over the weekend.

Sir Drummond and Lady Bone’s garden let in visitors as part of Sefton Park Gardens Open day, which showed off some of the botanic excellence in the heart of the city.

Scores turned out to Sefton Park Road to get a rare glimpse of the gardens that Sir Drummond has shared with his wife, Vivian, for six years.

Previously, the garden has entertained Princess Alexandra, Princess Anne and Yoko Ono. The President of the EU, Jose Manuel Barroso, is coming next week.

Attractions include a weeping ash that was probably planted when the neighbouring house was built around 1850. The garden also boasts a rare collection of old shrub roses, a grand formal terrace, grape vine and mature shrub borders.

Also opened for the first time under the National Garden Scheme were three gardens in Saxon Road and Liverpool Road, Birkdale, near Southport.

The open day has been organised by Christine Ruth, who has high hopes for the event’s future.