The Hospice Gardens
An integral part of the Hospice, the gardens are a place for relaxation and quiet reflection.
The gardens consist of lawns, mixed borders, bedding and a small area of woodland. There are many tubs to admire and also a small rockery where we hope to propagate new plants to sell.
Patients, visitors and staff are welcome to sit in various locations – sun, shaded and privately enclosed areas. There is wheelchair access via the 'Path of Tranquility' and if you look closely enough there are even still signs of the previous owners – the nuns.
An important area is the Garden of Remembrance where people can come and think about loved ones. Memorial plaques are displayed on the pergola, and cut flowers can be placed in the flower wishing well.
Over the 2006-7 season we created four new mixed borders including the driveway borders. The backbone of these was provided by evergreens that maintain their colour, texture and scent throughout the duller months of winter as well as the rest of the year. We also created a new Sensory Garden and patio area outside our Day Therapy Centre, officially opened in April 2008.
Also new in 2008 was a wide-framed greenhouse suitable for wheelchair access, which we hope will encourage patients with a horticultural interest to become actively involved with seeding, planting and potting on low-level benches. To find this greenhouse simply follow the paved walk through the grounds.
We grow around 95% of our bedding plants in our own greenhouses, 50% of which are used in the Hospice gardens and the other half are sold to the public through various events, bringing in much-needed revenue. We are also fortunate that the public donate plants and other garden items which are either used or sold to raise funds.
A new Summer House adds a further touch of elegance to our top lawn and is available to patients and their families.
Our team of gardeners is headed by Paul Sargent, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers. Paul says:
'Important members of the gardening team are the volunteers who can be seen in the gardens on Tuesday mornings and together have given many years of service.
These include Jean (The Head) who has given 10 years of service to the gardening team, Keith (The All-Rounder) who has been with us for seven years, Brian (Rose Man) for six years, Sue (The Pruner) also for six years, Jim (Tree Man) for five years and Fred (Mower Man) who has been with us for four years now.
The volunteers love gardening and really enjoy the friendly atmosphere at the Hospice. They also get great satisfaction from seeing the pleasure the gardens give reflected in the faces of patients, visitors and staff alike'.