July 16 marked another significant milestone for both the Greenfingers Charity and the team at Derian House Children’s Hospice as the all-new Sensory Garden was officially opened.
Almost three years in the making, the new Greenfingers garden - located at the heart of the hospice - has now been handed to the hospice staff, service users, and their families. The garden space, previously only accessible via the main hospice building and overlooked by children’s bedrooms, now features a mixture of interactive zones linked by a central covered space that allows all service users to spend time outside whatever the weather. More importantly, the vital privacy of those rooms overlooking the garden has been permanently maintained.
As the name suggests the Sensory Garden combines functionality and privacy alongside places of reflection, fun and memorial. Imaginative and subdued lighting schemes have also been adopted to create interest after dark, whilst new seating areas have been introduced to provide more pockets of quiet and privacy for everyone from young people to family and staff. Specific areas have been created with plants to heighten the senses, offering a truly immersive experience for the children.
Like any Greenfingers project, the new garden at Derian House wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of many of the charity’s supporters. The initial vision came to life thanks to designer Chris Forshaw and landscaper Gavin Jones, guided by project manager Joanne Kennedy which saw a tired courtyard turned into a beautiful and functional space.
Financial backing for the project came from a diverse group of supporters. Greenfingers' fundraising initiatives, such as Garden Re-Leaf Day, played a key role. Additionally, generous donations from LOFA, The Hospital Saturday Fund, Britford Bridge, Westfield Health, Stockwell Cliffe, and The Mackintosh Foundation provided crucial funds for the construction of the covered space, allowing children and families to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Turning the design into reality also wouldn't have been possible without further support from local businesses such as Barton Grange Garden Centre (donating plants and shrubs), Evergreen (providing topsoil and compost), Sipcam Home & Garden (garden care supplies) and Westland (gardening tools) with their in-kind donations. These contributions not only reduced the project's financial burden but also ensured the landscapers had the necessary materials to bring the garden to life.
Joining the official opening ceremony were Sue Allen, Linda Petrons and Neil Sewell, of Greenfingers, and charity Trustee, Colin Wetherley-Mein. Representatives from the garden’s generous sponsors also attended including Simon Mullholland from Westland, Ed Cantle from Gardena, Nigel Thompson and Lydia Grayson from Sipcam, Jane Lawler, Carol and Guy Topping of Barton Grange. Kate Ebbens from Capi Europe and President of GIMA even used the occasion to complete a celebratory 5 km run as part of her 366-day challenge! Steve Burden captured the event through his lens, while Phil Wright from Underground Podcast documented the opening on film. The honour of cutting the ribbon fell to Sue Allen, alongside Catherine Randall, the Chief Nurse at Derian House, and Maariyah, one of the hospice’s young people.
Sue Allen, Greenfingers Chair said: “Chris’s vision for the courtyard space at Derian House was truly inspiring on paper, but in real life it is even better. We’re so pleased to be officially handing over the garden to the Derian House team and would like to thank everyone who has been involved. From fundraising to volunteering in the garden to generous gifts in kind, it has all added up to an incredible effort that has created a space that we are sure will be loved and cared for by the hospice community for many for years to come.”
Catherine Randall, Chief Nurse at Derian House said: This isn't just any garden; it is a sanctuary for the 400 families we care for here at Derian. Here, they can relax and spend time together – making precious memories. Not only that, but research has shown that spending time outdoors can help with symptoms, reduce stress, and improve mood in people with life-limiting illnesses. Greenfingers’ generosity has created a garden that our families will enjoy for years to come. On behalf of all of us here at Derian House – thank you.”
Find out more
To learn more about the Greenfingers Charity please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk. You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media -https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn.
