A new sensory garden opened last month at St Peter’s Hospital and will provide an outdoor space for patients, visitors and staff to spend time in tranquil surroundings that promote the feeling of wellbeing using scents, sounds and visually beautiful planting. The name ‘Serenity Garden’ was chosen by the staff at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (ASPH) and those involved reflecting the intention of the garden.
Its design encourages connections with nature and wellbeing with a mixture of planting influenced by aromatic and pollinator-friendly ornamentals. This has been combined with sounds of nature and visually uplifting colours for all to enjoy walking around the paved pathways or spending time in the seating area.
The calming sound of trickling water can be heard around the garden which houses a water feature made from weathered mild steel, evocative of the seasonal changes in nature. A woven willow pattern repeated in the natural panels around the garden’s main seating area helps to create a private space, accompanied with raised planters. The pleasure gained from just sitting and relaxing is at the heart of this design, encouraging visitors to reflect on the present moment and feel a connection with nature.
This award-winning garden from the RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival, has been designed by Nicola Hale and built by Landform Consultants who very generously donated it to be installed at St Peter’s Hospital following the show. The courtyard was transformed as part of the Healing Arts programme and led by Darren Rees as part of ASPH Green Policy.
Managing Director of Landform Consultants, Mark Gregory, is delighted to be able to give something back to the Trust as just a few years ago the staff at St Peter’s saved his life. He believes that gifting and maintaining this garden will be hugely beneficial for the hospital staff and public alike.
Julie Smith, Chief Executive of ASPH, said: “We’re delighted to receive this stunning award-winning RHS show garden as a gift from Landform. It is a wonderful addition to the green spaces we already have at the Trust and I’m sure it will be well used by all.”
Nicola, who designed the garden, said: “On a personal note, it has been an absolute pleasure to work with the hospital staff, especially Darren Rees the Project Manager for the implementation of the relocation plan. Everyone has been so positive and welcoming, and we hope that they are as delighted with the garden as we are.”
Cat Cooke, ASPH Healing Arts – Arts and Design Manager, said: “This garden completes a wider vision to enhance patient experience giving access to beautiful natural environments, which is proven to have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. Alongside our two other courtyard gardens, we now have a dedicated outdoor space for all patients, visitors and staff when they need it.”
