My name is Johanna, but most people call me Jo. I was born in Ireland and lived there until I was 17. When I was still young, I moved to London to work as a secretary. Over the years, I had many different jobs. When I was 19, I met my husband, and together we built a life with four children and now nine wonderful grandchildren.
I first heard about Horatio’s Garden South West when I used to use the Therma pool in Salisbury District Hospital. I would see signs for the gardens, but when I asked people about them, nobody seemed to know much. One day, I had time to spare before an appointment, so I wandered in out of curiosity and nobody even noticed me! Something about the garden’s atmosphere was so peaceful, so special, that I immediately wanted to stay. When I returned another time, I met Philippa, the Garden Administrator, and asked her more about what this place was. It didn’t take long before I knew I wanted to volunteer.
Once I started, I never looked back. I come once a week, as much as I’m able to. My own mobility is declining, but spending time here helps me with that. I meet so many lovely people, and often people just want to talk. It’s a privilege to be the person that listens as people unburden their minds. In many ways, volunteering is as much a therapy for me as it is for them.
I’m not much of a gardener, but I do sometimes water the plants. Mostly, I just enjoy looking at the flowers as they bring me such happiness. Through volunteering, I’ve even learned new skills by taking part in workshops like pottery, ceramics, and sign printing. But above all, I love meeting people. It gets me out of the house, keeps me engaged, and gives me a sense of purpose.
Volunteering here makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile. I’m enjoying myself, gaining knowledge, and hopefully making someone’s day a little better. Some people have really stuck in my mind, like Tony. Watching people progress and adapt over time is truly remarkable.
The garden itself is a place of peace and comfort. There’s something deeply therapeutic about simply sitting here, surrounded by beauty, the scent of flowers in the air. It’s a space where people can just be, away from the pressures of medical settings. Many of the people here have told me that they always felt a garden like this was needed. You can feel Horatio’s spirit in the space, it’s a connection to the earth, a reminder of something bigger. I truly believe we’ve all been removed from nature in some way, and places like this bring us back to it.
People tell me I make a difference, and I hope that’s true. I love baking a cake and bringing it in, seeing people smile, knowing that I’ve contributed to their day in some small way.
As you get older, life closes in a bit; you lose friends, travel becomes harder. But there is still so much to enjoy every day. This garden, and the people in it, are part of that for me. And that’s what I love the most – it’s all about the people, being involved, sharing moments, and finding joy in the simple things.
Feeling inspired to become a volunteer?
To find out more about joining one of our friendly teams please click here, or email volunteer@horatiosgarden.org.uk to register your interest.
We’ll look forward to hearing from you!
