In This Issue
Bunnings Warehouse store opens in Folkestone
Glee Buyers Power List 2017: the shortlist
Woodstock Chimes – It’s All About the Sound
Will Summer grottos solve the summer dip in sales?
Evergreen Enterprises prepares to launch Spring 2018 Home Decor range
Busy season sees Vitax grow
New products on display across many garden industry sectors on British stands at spoga+gafa
Outback barbecues cook up record SOLEX show success
Decco launches Johnston & Jeff brand Birdcare
Bents, Cowells, Fron Goch and Tong are GCA regional winners in the North
Greenfingers Charity Garden opened by TV gardener Adam Frost at Keech Hospice, Luton
Europe’s First 'Tipping Plank' comes to Sky Trail at Planters
Over fifties are "playing" in the garden
Mediterranean-style garden opens at Notcutts Staines to inspire local gardeners
Fire destroys Pet Shop at garden centre
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
John Stanley - Developing a new experience in an Amazon World
Garden lighting reaches new highs
Xylella fastidiosa - a threat to the U.K. Horticulture industry
Taylors Maris Peer back to No 1
Calibrachoa MiniFamous® Double PinkTastic wins FleuroStar Award
Summer colour plant sales brightens patios and borders
Wyevale Nurseries say the shrub is back!
Special mix for growing media
spoga gafa 2017: Excellent final home sprint
Distinctively Different Plants!
More pond plants banned from sale by the EU
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
Robert Meaney appointed as Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre’s Catering Manager
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Greenfingers Charity Garden opened by TV gardener Adam Frost at Keech Hospice, Luton



Greenfingers Charity commissioned TV Gardener Adam Frost to design the new Courtyard Garden at Keech Hospice Care, Luton with the help and support of Homebase.

As an existing good friend of Greenfingers, the charity was delighted to invite Adam to perform the official opening ceremony held on Monday 17 July 2017.

This is the  53rd therapeutic and recreational garden built by Greenfingers Charity in children’s hospices around the UK, from the Isle of Wight to Loch Lomond. Funding for this project very much relied on the generosity of the Homebase DIY chain who have been donating all the 5p carrier bag tax collected since the levy was introduced in October 2015.



The original plain space was transformed from a drab concrete courtyard with the muscles and resources of Jody Lidgard and his team of skilled craftsmen at Bespoke Outdoor Spaces. They created a colourful, three-dimensional garden with easy access for wheelchairs using plants that will delight all the senses of the adults and children who spend time at Keech Hospice Care and their visitors. Jody and his team have also been commissioned by Greenfingers Charity to work on the design and build at  another children’s hospice garden in the grounds of St Andrew’s Children’s Hospice, Grimsby – due to be created later this year.

Speaking at the opening, Adam Frost said, “I hope this Courtyard Garden surprises people to start with and then puts a smile on their faces. It’s a wonderful space which life-limited children and adults can use in many different ways.”

Until now the courtyard garden at Keech Hospice Care, which supports adults from Luton and South Bedfordshire, and children from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes, has remained relatively bereft of interesting plants or features since the hospice opened twenty-six years ago.

Adam said he designed the new garden to be a vision of bright colours, with a water feature at its centre and chose bold circular patterns to take visitors on a journey. “I didn’t want to be too clever, but it’s not just any place we are creating. It’s a space that mums and dads and their kids will use and where patients can look out to when they’re being cared for and having their complementary therapy.

“I’ve tried to bring wildlife and the garden inside the hospice and give patients here at Keech Hospice Care a place that is calm and reflective,” said Adam.

Liz Searle, Chief Executive Officer at Keech Hospice Care, said “The new garden will give patients and their families a space to relax at a time in their lives when it matters the most.”

She continued, “It’s the perfect place to just sit and be still. It provides a beautiful space for the opportunity of reflecting, relaxing and escapism not only for patients but also our excellent care team and volunteers. At a time when a person needs peace and quiet or when families want to sit, laugh and make memories – Adam’s garden will be there.

“We all love the bright colours of the garden as we are a hospice full of life! It’s a real oasis, it’s magical. We’ll be showing it off to the public at KeechFest on Sunday, 10 September 2017 as we invite everyone to buy tickets and join us for an afternoon of live music here at Keech Hospice Care.”

Tickets for KeechFest on Sunday, 10 September 2017, which will feature an afternoon of live music can be bought at www.keech.org.uk/keechfest or by phoning 01582 707940. 

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