The QEH Courtyard Gardeners were formed in October 2022 and since then they have transformed one of the hospital’s courtyards to provide a haven of tranquillity for staff, visitors, and patients through the creation of a therapeutic garden filled with beautiful, colourful plants.
Next Wednesday (31 July) the staff gardening club will be taking their 1.5sqm miniature garden to The Sandringham Flower Show to compete in the Cottage Garden competition with other local gardening clubs.
The garden design will be cottage-themed and include a variety of plants and flowers in vibrant blues and whites to represent the colours of the NHS, including a Nye Bevan NHS Rose.
The miniature gardens draw a lot of interest and admiration. They will be situated in the centre of the second Royal Marquee and viewed by Their Majesties The King and Queen.
Tracy Woodhouse, Service Manager at The QEH and ‘Head Courtyard Gardener’, said: “We feel immensely honoured and privileged to be invited to enter the garden competition this year.
“Staff have been eagerly donating items for our cottage garden. We hope you enjoy it as much as we have had such enjoyment in creating it. We’re immensely proud of our Courtyard Gardeners.”
The Courtyard Garden is also an important wellbeing tool for staff at the hospital, as an enjoyable place to find relaxation through gardening especially when they feel the need for a break during their busy and stressful working day or if they don’t have a garden to care for themselves.
It is maintained entirely by staff rather than hospital contract gardeners. It greatly supports mental wellbeing for all – either through the physicality of gardening or by simply enjoying the space and sensory stimulation it provides.
The Courtyard Gardeners meet regularly in lunch breaks and their own time to keep it in tip-top condition. Efforts have seen it being turned into a riot of colour with hundreds of bulbs planted and raised beds packed with impactful annuals that attract pollinators.
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Notes to editors;
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