Yesterday (31 July) the group of green fingered colleagues from The QEH were delighted to be awarded the Silver Award for their miniature garden at the royal show – an impressive accolade on the group’s first time at the event.
The 1.5sqm garden design was cottage-themed and include a variety of plants and flowers including pink Hydrangeas, red Dahlias and, with a nod to their healthcare links, a Nye Bevan NHS Rose.
The miniature gardens are always a big hit at the annual event and draw a lot of interest and admiration.
Tracy Woodhouse, Service Manager at The QEH and ‘Head Courtyard Gardener’, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded the Silver Award in yesterday’s garden competition.
“We feel immensely honoured and privileged and we’re incredibly grateful to staff at The QEH who donated the flowers and plants used in the display.”
The Courtyard Garden is 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. 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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