We did it! The 'Oasis' garden is now open
Out from the ugly, concreted tennis courts in the centre of the hospital site now stands a wonderful sensory 'Oasis' garden for all to enjoy. After consulting with 160 patients, staff, volunteers and members of wider public, the garden project started two years ago. Along with Groundwork London, an environmental charity, the garden committee planned and fundraised for the space. Finally the hard work has paid off!
We had an official launch party in June 2012 which was enjoyed by funders, supporters and staff. We are looking forward to the garden becoming more and more green with the plants and shrubs growing over coming months.
Benefits of a hospital garden:
- Facilitate stress reduction which helps the body to reach a more balanced state
- Help patients to summon up their own inner healing resource
- Help patients to come to terms with incurable medical condition
- Provide a setting where staff can conduct physical therapy, gardening therapy etc with patients
- Provide staff with a needed retreat from stress of work
- Provide a relaxed setting for patient-visitor interaction away from hospital interior.
The garden has been split into zones including a sheltered sitting, sensory planting, quiet zone and soon an art space with a recycled stained glass window.
