Hospice UK: Garden of Compassion

This garden draws on the spirit of Mediterranean landscapes, showing how thoughtfully designed spaces can play a crucial role in providing comfort and calm at the end of life.

Inspired by the Olive Houses in Mallorca and broader Mediterranean settings, it uses large rocks to create a strong sense of being grounded in nature. The layout mirrors the Olive Houses’ concept of interconnected rooms, offering everything from secluded corners for quiet moments to more open spaces for more communal use. Sculptural benches and water bowls draw visitors in, adding to the garden’s sense of tranquillity and reflection.

The planting includes soft silvers and olive greens from foliage and grasses, with vibrant blues, burnt oranges, and warm yellows. These colours are selected not only for their visual appeal but also for their drought-tolerance and their sensory impact-important for hospice users. Key plants include; Arbutus andrachne, Luma apiculate, Hunnemannia fumariifolia, Delphinium peregrinum and Ficus ‘Crystal Ice’.
 

At a glance

Who would use this garden?
This garden is designed for hospice patients, in particular, end of life care. It also caters for their families, and healthcare staff, providing a sanctuary that addresses diverse emotional and physical needs.
Where is the garden set?
The garden is overlooked by the in-patient wards at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham, where it will relocate after the show.
Who or what is the design inspiration for the garden?
The design draws on the designer’s many years exploring the wilder parts of the Mediterranean, with a particular nod to the Olive Houses in Mallorca, set in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains.
 

Garden legacy:

After the Show the garden is being relocated to St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham