Garden industry charity Greenfingers, which is dedicated to creating gardens in children’s hospices across the UK, has opened its 44th garden last week – at Little Havens in Essex.

A fully accessible and interactive ‘Grow your own’ garden has been created where the children and their families can enjoy growing and harvesting their own food.

The project saw a previously vacant area transformed into an abundant fruit and vegetable garden with many engaging features.

The garden was designed and built by Chelmsford-based Eden Horticultural Ltd, with Matthew Eden working alongside Greenfingers’ garden projects manager Emma Hanford.

Greenfingers chairman Matthew Wilson said: “To have this area where children can enjoy growing and harvesting crops whilst having fun and relaxing, is a fantastic addition to the wonderful services already on offer at Little Havens.”

Kat Clark from Little Havens, who manages the hospice’s Garden Club, said: “Our gardens are an extension of the hospice services we provide and this garden is another great space that families staying here can escape to and enjoy all year round.” She added, “We would like to thank all of those at Greenfingers and Eden Horticultural as well as all of the local businesses who donated resources and equipment.”

A significant contribution toi the project came from funds raised through Garden Re-Leaf Day 2014. The garden also received major support from the GCA, LOFA and a number of businesses and suppliers who gave time, resources and products free of charge or at reduced prices.



Above: Greenfingers chairman Matthew Wilson with Havens Hospices chief executive Andy Smith, christen the new garden.