May 15 2020
"I'm a 22 year-old graduate, artist, musician, photographer, activist, nature lover. And I'm tetraplegic. Before my accident I climbed trees every day and lived a life of passionate, reckless abandon and love. On this day I have spent seven months in hospital. During this time, Horatio's Garden has given me a way to be outside, a way to meet friends, meet family, find home. I spent every evening here with my sister during the long winter. It kept me going. In September, I sat in the garden and cried for the first real time. Horatio's Garden couldn't be my wilderness, but it could be my home until I was ready to go back and face my own. Thank you."
April 15 2020
"I am so proud of all the patients and staff. We all tend to the garden whenever we can and it's always delightful to see people watering the plants or potting up seedlings. Getting away from the hospital environment has helped my wellbeing and I know many others feel the same. Horatio's Garden is a haven and to see everyone outside having fun and laughing, or even just enjoying the relaxing, atmosphere is fantastic." - Rebecca Warren, Ward Manager of The Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries
March 18 2020
"The garden has provided a place of healing, a place to be alone, to think, to cry, to talk openly with family and friends, to meet other patients, to practice wheelchair skills, to let nature heal. So, to everyone who has supported Horatio's Garden in any way, I thank you. The difference you have made has been amazing."
March 10 2020
"Before, you had nowhere to go with your friends, or your girlfriend, just up and down the corridor. But in Horatio's Garden, you've got these alcoves. It's so peaceful and really thoughtfully done."
March 2 2020
"I think Horatio's Garden is such an amazing place. The garden is remarkable and it makes you feel so good about yourself. Being able to spend time with lots of other people who are in the same situation has helped me to feel free. Thank you very much."
February 4 2020
"I just have to say a very big thank you to you and your excellent team of volunteers. We were always made to feel so welcome when we visited the lovely Horatio's Garden and the afternoon cups of tea and cakes were a treat! It has been a great privilege to relax in the tranquil garden.
With profound thanks."
October 18 2019
"Firstly, thank you to Head Gardener Jacqui and all the volunteers for making us feel so welcome and as though we are part of a loving family whilst spending time so far from home. Secondly, thank you to Horatio and all his family for having the idea to create a peaceful garden. It has been so helpful throughout my rehabilitation. Finally, thank you to all the patients who have been so generous with their friendship and help whilst I've spent time here. Being in Horatio's Garden has been a real pleasure and the memory of this lovely place, which was there for us in the middle of such pain and worry, will stay with myself and my husband as we move onwards."
September 29 2019
"Thank you to everyone who works so hard in this wonderful garden. The volunteers are all amazing, so kind and caring. Many thanks."
August 18 2019
"Horatio's Garden fosters a sense of community amongst spinal patients that we would not otherwise have. It's a welcoming space for patients and visitors alike and it's separate from the feeling of being in a hospital. It's a respite from the worries of spinal injuries and hospital stressors."
August 6 2019
"I just wanted to write a little note to thank you for all that you do in Horatio's Garden. I'm sure you're aware of it already, but I really wanted to emphasise the importance of what you guys do and of the incredible resource you provide. There is no doubt in my mind that your gardens, volunteers and staff all improve the quality of life of people with spinal injuries. Thanks again and all the best."
July 5 2019
"On the ward, it's so stressful because there's so much noise and sometimes people knock into your bed. It's just amazing to be able to get out here into the quiet and beauty. I can't believe how many birds there are."
July 4 2019
"As the wife of a recently paraplegic patient, I just wanted to let you know the positive impact your wonderful garden has had on both our spirits. A truly life-affirming legacy. Thank you."
June 30 2019
"Thank God for this garden. Without the wheelchair training area, without patients being able to feel a camber and drop kerb and learn how to handle these, they would have no training at all. The garden is an absolute godsend. It makes so much difference being able to work with them out here. We are so lucky." - Kate Betts, Technical Instructor
June 28 2019
Warm sun on our skin,
Fresh air on our face,
Lifts spirits up high,
What a beautiful place,
The garden with colour,
Giving us space,
The plants and the flowers,
What a beautiful place,
The patients they love it,
Our saving grace,
Keeping us sane,
What a beautiful place.
Poem by NHS staff member, Helen Silver
11th May 2020
June 16 2019
“I feel better after hand therapy. I love planting things because it means a little part of me remains in the garden.”
June 13 2019
"You run such an amazing range of activities for patients and their families. It's absolutely wonderful and I don't know what we'd do without you."
"I'm a 22 year-old graduate, artist, musician, photographer, activist, nature lover. And I'm ...
READ MORE"I am so proud of all the patients and staff. We all tend to the garden whenever we can and it's ...
READ MORE"The garden has provided a place of healing, a place to be alone, to think, to cry, to talk openly ...
READ MORE"Before, you had nowhere to go with your friends, or your girlfriend, just up and down the ...
READ MORE"I think Horatio's Garden is such an amazing place. The garden is remarkable and it makes you feel ...
READ MORE"I just have to say a very big thank you to you and your excellent team of volunteers. We were ...
READ MORE"Firstly, thank you to Head Gardener Jacqui and all the volunteers for making us feel so welcome ...
READ MORE"Thank you to everyone who works so hard in this wonderful garden. The volunteers are all amazing, ...
READ MORE"Horatio's Garden fosters a sense of community amongst spinal patients that we would not otherwise ...
READ MORE"I just wanted to write a little note to thank you for all that you do in Horatio's Garden. I'm ...
READ MORE"On the ward, it's so stressful because there's so much noise and sometimes people knock into your ...
READ MORE"As the wife of a recently paraplegic patient, I just wanted to let you know the positive impact ...
READ MORE"Thank God for this garden. Without the wheelchair training area, without patients being able to ...
READ MOREWarm sun on our skin, Fresh air on our face, Lifts spirits up high, What a beautiful ...
READ MORE“I feel better after hand therapy. I love planting things because it means a little part of me ...
READ MORE"You run such an amazing range of activities for patients and their families. It's absolutely ...
READ MORE