Working closely with St. John's Hospice to understand the needs of patients, staff and visitors, our brief was to revamp and rejuvenate existing underused sites, in order to introduce accessible and immersive spaces while providing a meaningful and joyous connection to nature.
Inpatient Unit Garden
Whilst maintaining some of the original boundary planting and fountain, we completely redesigned this garden to give access from all areas of the hospice into a beautiful, safe and welcoming space .
Planting
We’ve chosen diverse perennials and shrubs for year round interest, selected from specialist nurseries to provide wonderful colour, scent and textures, striving to have the longest flowering seasons and attract a broad spectrum of pollinators.
Designed for accessibility
Smooth and permeable paving allows patients in hospital beds and wheelchairs to move freely around the garden, and areas carved into the beds enables patients to be immersed in the planting.
Our values
We understand how nature can have a profound effect on our wellbeing, offering a restorative space for reflection, a sanctuary through sensory engagement and a gentle connection to life’s cycles,
Day Care Unit Gardens
The Day Care Unit gardens runs the whole length of the side of Hospice, proving both sunny and shady areas for patients and staff to sit in. Again, the path has a smooth resin finish for ease of access.
On entering from the front lawn, the woodland area had been planted up with additional birches, evergreen climbers, perennials and Spring bulbs for colour early in the year.
This leads into a sunny area, with vibrant, terraced planting, table and chairs for dining outdoors, space for exercise classes and raised beds for growing vegetables.
Maintenance
As with all projects, it’s great to be part of the maintenance team, overseeing how the planting progresses and working with the Hospice staff and patients to keep the gardens looking vibrant and cared for throughout the year.