Spooky, autumnal celebrations have been occurring in all the gardens this month as patients, staff and volunteers embraced Halloween in a whole host of creative ways.
Pumpkins have been growing steadily in Scotland all year and have been a much-appreciated part of the incredible autumn harvest we’ve seen in the garden this year.
As part of the garden’s Halloween celebrations, WRAGS trainee Chelsea Lowe held a pumpkin carving workshop for patients and volunteers, who were responsible for these marvellous creations.
And the fun wasn’t about to stop there!
The carefully carved pumpkins were arranged in the courtyard especially for the Spinal Injuries Scotland (SIS) Halloween Party, meaning that patients, visitors and staff could all enjoy the fruits of the afternoon’s labour. Everyone was also careful to save and store the seeds of the pumpkins too, which will soon be used in future garden activities.
Meanwhile, in Stoke Mandeville patients were crafting their pumpkins into something far less scary, creating these brilliant floral displays that were soon brightening up the ward and garden room.
Meanwhile, in Stoke Mandeville patients were crafting their pumpkins into something far less scary, creating these brilliant floral displays that were soon brightening up the ward and garden room.
Charlie and Brandon were both very pleased with their creations, which they made as part of the ‘Flowers on Tuesdays’ workshop held on a weekly basis in the garden. Thanks to incredibly generous donations from Farmer Paul’s Pumpkins and the Wild Rose Flower Company, the afternoon was a huge success. Charlie and Brandon used a mixture of dahlias, oak leaves, asters, hydrangeas, rosemary, fir cones, poppy heads, cabbages and moss, but the beauty of the activity is that anything goes!
During the afternoon we also welcomed WheelPower Physical Activity Advisor, Ian Durrant, who was so impressed by the pumpkin flowers that he generously donated £10 to the garden to buy one of the arrangements to take home.
Horatio’s Garden Oswestry decided to go for a traditional take on the event, hosting a Halloween party and film night for patients and families. Patients and volunteers alike got involved in creating decorations for the occasion too, many of whom enjoyed a spot of pumpkin carving and plenty of appropriately-themed craft activities too. Everyone joined in with the fun, playing games and enjoying a whole host of tempting treats (not tricks!) – we particularly like the ‘Tomb bola’ and costumes were certainly encouraged!
Happy Halloween from everyone in Horatio’s Garden!
