The first ‘real’ garden
design and build for the Greenfingers Appeal. The site
was stony, clayey and a bit of a marsh when we first
viewed it. The hospice wanted a Tranquil Garden so we
approached a number of designers. The staff looked at
designs and one was selected – including water
features, raised beds, a maypole, a gazebo and a bridge
over a trickling rill. The formal centre part was surrounded
by a wild flower meadow, which included a good number
of trees.
 The
local team of volunteers was of vital importance –
led by Carol Sage, a local grower. They undertook the
planting of the garden. All plants were donated by the
local garden centres and nurserymen from around the
South East.
The design was by Carolyn Birchall
and Oakleigh Manor Landscapes did the construction.
The Hospice already had money in its garden fund so
this was used to fund the Maypole and the Gazebo.
Generously donated materials:
- Benches - Alexander Rose
- Plants - Coblands Nurseries
- Farplants Ltd
- Hillier Nurseries
- Millbrook Garden Company
- Notcutts Nurseries
- Oakover Nurseries
- Palmstead Nurseries
- Ruxley Manor Garden Centre
- Mulch - William Sinclair Horticulture/Monro
(South)
- Paving - Marshalls Mono
- Path materials - Richard Brett
& Sons Ltd
- Membrane - TDP Ltd
- Sub-base - Carrieres de la Vallée,
France
- Transport of same - Union Transport
Group
- Maypole - Independent Order of
Odd Fellows
- Armoured Cable - Newey &
Eyrs
- Top soil - ASA Presnell –
St James Haulage
The Garden was opened on 28 September
2001 by Richard Jackson, Chairman of the Greenfingers
Appeal and Derek Phillips, Founder/President of Demelza
House.
“Hospice
gardens provide an oasis of calm and serenity for our
children. They add life to days when days cannot be
added to life.” |
