Horatio’s Garden Oswestry opened for the very first time this week, with patients, volunteers and NHS staff all making their way to the garden for a celebratory cup of tea and slice of homemade cake.
The afternoon was an immensely happy, emotional occasion which saw everyone chatting and getting to know both each other and the beautiful space Bunny Guinness initially designed back in 2017. As patients and visitors have been watching the garden draw ever closer to completion, finally being able to be within the space was an extraordinary moment for many.
Head Gardener Imogen, Assistant Brian, and numerous members of the volunteer team were there too, welcoming everyone with a friendly face and encouraging visitors to come to the garden whenever they liked. Now that patients and volunteers alike will be spending much of their time outside in the fresh air, an atmosphere of warmth and familiarity already permeates the garden.
Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, and Bunny Guinness joined them to mark the occasion, with both commenting that it was wonderful to see everyone exploring the garden and making themselves at home. Bunny’s sensitive designs included many thoughtful elements, which everyone will no doubt enjoy discovering throughout the coming months and beyond.
The Lady Trevor, Vice Chair of the League of Friends, Martin McMillan of the National Garden Scheme and Horatio’s Garden Oswestry patron Sir Algernon Heber-Percy were also in attendance, taking every aspect of the garden in alongside patients and staff. Everyone was overwhelmed to see the space in its entirety for the first time, agreeing unanimously that it was the perfect, gentle garden that patients and their loved ones will now be able to spend time in together.
As the garden continues to grow, every single patient, visitor, NHS staff member and volunteer will contribute to its story. It has been our pleasure to plant hope for so many lovely, inspiring people.
