Children’s hospice garden relocated from the RHS Chelsea
Alan Titchmarsh officially opened a new therapeutic and recreational garden at Earl Mountbatten Hospice, Newport, the Isle of Wight, on July 18, recreating the Royal Bank of Canada’s 2015 RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden. The project is part of the charity Greenfingers’ mission to provide magical gardens for children’s hospices – its 51st.
Titchmarsh opens Greenfingers garden – ‘no mean feat’
Alan said: “I’m no stranger to building gardens for disadvantaged families. I can honestly say – it’s never an easy task. For Greenfingers to relocate and then recreate the Royal Bank of Canada’s garden is no mean feat. Finding the funding, organising designers, supporters, suppliers and the final constructors and planters is far from an easy matter.
“This is no ordinary garden. It helps to provide stimulation, respite and relaxation for all the patients, visiting families and staff. They will all appreciate a new place of peace and solace at difficult times.”
‘Delighted to have the garden’
John Ashley, chairman of Greenfingers, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have finished creating the RBC Chelsea Garden. The garden is simply stunning, and it’s wonderful to think of the children and families who will spend time here enjoying it.
“In particular, I want to thank the garden’s designer Matthew Wilson for his professionalism throughout the long process and to the charity’s garden project manager, Emma Hanford, who has done such a great job over the last 18 months making the garden happen in such an efficient way.”
Titchmarsh opens Greenfingers garden – many supporters
Among the supporters who helped to recreate the garden and finance its relocation are the main sponsor Royal Bank of Canada, plus the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association, the garden service team from CAR Gardens, Hillier Nurseries Ltd, Pecks Ltd, David Austin Roses, Chichester Trees and Shrubs, Mr Fothergill’s and Forest View Nursery. Scores of garden centres and other companies around the UK raised funds in a fundraising weekend called Garden Re-Leaf in March.
Read more about Greenfingers garden at Keech Hospice, Luton, and River Island’s Greenfingers campaign. For more information on the garden and the charity, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk.
