Published on: 06.06.22

Winchester Hospice welcomes Mayor of Winchester as rehomed Chelsea Flower Show garden is celebrated

Winchester Hospice, opened in 2021, has celebrated its award-winning garden with help from recently appointed Mr Mayor, Cllr Derek Green.

The event, held on Sunday 29 May, enabled members of the public, staff and friends of the hospice to explore the grounds and learn more about how the garden will enhance patient experience.

Designed by landscape and garden designer Sarah Eberle for the Bible Society, Winchester Hospice’s new garden provides a safe, comfortable environment for patients and families to experience, and benefits from a private ‘garden room’ to enable the view to be enjoyed outside.

After winning Best Sanctuary Garden and Best Construction in its class at 2021’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show, the garden was relocated to Winchester Hospice over a period of several weeks as a gift by the Bible Society.

Last month, Winchester Hospice was selected by the Mayor of Winchester as one of four charities he will support as part of his Mayoral duties.

Dr Lara Alloway, Winchester Hospice trustee and chief medical officer at Hampshire Hospitals, said: “It was fantastic to welcome so many visitors to Winchester Hospice to see the beautiful garden we have been lucky enough to rehome.

“Helping patients and their loved ones to have the opportunity to be outside is important and this garden provides a relaxing, beautiful environment.

“We are so grateful to Sarah Eberle and the Bible Society for this incredible donation, and are so proud to share it with the local community.”

Mr Mayor, Cllr Derek Green, said: “It has been wonderful to be part of the celebration of Winchester Hospice’s garden. The garden has created a comforting and beautiful place for families and patients at our local hospice, which brings a huge benefit to the community of Winchester.”

To find out more about Winchester Hospice or to lend your support, visit www.winchesterhospice.com