Greener Gloucestershire NHS Garden

The garden is a peaceful, natural space to offer room for reflection away from the clinical, sterile environment of a hospital. By providing a space for NHS staff, patients and their families to retreat to, and connect with nature, this garden hopes to aid in the lowering of cortisol levels and patient recovery rates.

Two seating areas made from pennant stone from the Forest of Dean, are surrounded by a mixture of native wild flowers and plants, alongside ornamentals aiming to encourage wildlife. Locally sourced tree stumps form organic sculptures and act as a perfect habitat for insects which will, in turn, encourage birds.

Wide pathways weave through the garden, enabling the use of prams and mobility aids to make the garden accessible to all. Beautiful multi-stemmed native trees shade a stream, creating the soothing sound of running water over moss covered rocks.

A large verdigris dome hanging from the rear boundary is a focal point for the design. The planting provides year-round interest, with hornbeam, silver birch, acer and climbing hydrangea bringing vertical structure and a mix of native and ornamental plants, including Hosta ‘Florence Nightingale’ adding colour and form.

The Gloucestershire Royal Hospital will provide a permanent home for the garden after the show.