News

CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF HORATIO’S GARDEN WALES AT MISKIN MANOR

Grey skies and a spot of rain didn’t stop anyone from raising a glass to the opening of Horatio’s Garden Wales, with a wonderful crowd gathering for an Afternoon Tea at the gorgeous Miskin Manor to mark the occasion.   The fundraising event was organised by our brilliant Wales Fundraising Group, who not only ensured everything looked lovely, but also Read the Rest...

SPINAL CORD INJURY AWARENESS DAY 2022

Today marks Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day and although the day is always in our annual calendar, this year has been particularly special. Thanks to a bright idea from the team at Back Up, we’ve been working with seven different fantastic spinal cord injury charities over the past few weeks in order to make Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day 2022 Read the Rest...

ARIT ANDERSON VISITS HORATIO’S GARDEN STOKE MANDEVILLE

It was an absolute joy to welcome acclaimed garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Arit Anderson to Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville and we had a gorgeous spring day for it too!   Both Arit and our Founder & Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, had long been hoping to meet and were thrilled when the day finally arrived. The Read the Rest...

ROB MULHOLLAND INSTALLS STUNNING NEW SCULPTURES IN SCOTLAND

It’s always a delight to see new artwork appearing in the gardens and Rob Mulholland’s stunning sculptures are certainly a welcome addition to Horatio’s Garden Scotland.   As an acclaimed sculptor and environmental artist, Rob exhibits both in the UK and worldwide. His practise explores the complex relationship between humans and the natural world, utilising a wide variety of forms Read the Rest...

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF GARDENERS’ QUESTION TIME WITH HEAD GARDENER ASHLEY

Unbelievably, Gardeners’ Question Time celebrated its 75th Anniversary on Friday and fantastically Head Gardener Ashley Edwards was part of the action, marking the occasion with host Kathy Clugston and fellow panelists Pippa Greenwood and James Wong!  To catch up on BBC Sounds, please click here  Despite being the newest team member, Ashley sounded right at home alongside seasoned Gardeners Question Read the Rest...

HEAD GARDENER ALEX RETURNS TO BBC RADIO SHROPSHIRE

As promised, BBC Radio Shropshire invited Head Gardener Alex back to appear on the airwaves of the Jim Hawkins show on Friday afternoon, with the two chatting their way through a brilliant segment which hopefully inspired gardeners throughout the county and beyond!  To catch up on BBC Sounds, please click here  You’ll find Jim and Alex’s chat approximately 2:07:30 into Read the Rest...

YASMIN’S VOLUNTEERING STORY

Yasmin may only have been volunteering in Horatio’s Garden London & South East for a few months, but her wonderful, moving story begins back in 2018…. What made you think about giving your time to volunteering? I suffered a spinal injury in 2018 and was a patient at Stanmore for over four months. Back then, we had just tarmac area Read the Rest...

TOUR HORATIO’S GARDEN LONDON ON THE ORGANIC GARDENING PODCAST WITH HEAD GARDENER ASHLEY

Back in March, The Organic Gardening podcast visited Head Gardener Ashley on a beautiful day in Horatio’s Garden London & South East, not only to discover more about the charity and how we garden the organic way, but also to treat listeners to a little audio tour of the sanctuary.  To listen to The Organic Gardening podcast, please click here  Read the Rest...

SPRING PLANTING IN HORATIO’S GARDEN WALES

The site of Horatio’s Garden Wales has been a hive of activity throughout the past few weeks, with volunteers, staff and builders alike all pulling together to bring our sixth project to life.  As the construction team continued to work on various elements of the hard landscaping, a marvellous team of volunteers joined the garden’s designer, Sarah Price, alongside Head Read the Rest...

MAGGIE THE SEASIDE BAKER VISITS HORATIO’S GARDEN SOUTH WEST

This past weekend, an already perfect spring day in Horatio’s Garden South West was made that little bit sweeter by a visit from Great British Bake Off’s very own Maggie the Seaside Baker!   Swapping the famous tent for a stint in the sanctuary, Maggie joined patients in the garden and garden room, chatting and sharing her favourite stories from Read the Rest...

LIVE AT KEW GARDENS: HEAD GARDENER ASHLEY ON BBC GARDENERS’ QUESTION TIME PANEL

Those of you who regularly tune in to BBC Gardeners’ Question Time will know that Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden London & South East, Ashley Edwards, has regularly appeared as part of the programme. However, last week marked his first stint as an official member of the panel!  To catch up on BBC Sounds, please click here  Appearing alongside Matt Read the Rest...

HEAD GARDENER ALEX ON BBC RADIO SHROPSHIRE

BBC Radio Shropshire have always been brilliant supporters of Horatio’s Garden Midlands and last Friday was no different, when Head Gardener Alex Law appeared on the airwaves for the first time!  To catch up on BBC Sounds, please click here  You’ll find Alex’s piece approximately 46 minutes into the programme  Appearing on the Morning Show with Jim Hawkins, Alex shared Read the Rest...

AN AFTERNOON OF CREATIVE WRITING WITH ROBERT MACFARLANE

On a cold and windswept February day, the author Robert Macfarlane sweeps into Horatio’s Garden London to host a creative writing workshop. Robert is no stranger to the hospital – murals inspired by the art and spells of his book, The Lost Words, co-created with Jackie Morris, adorn the corridors, wards and waiting areas of the building. With his mark Read the Rest...

BUNNY GUINNESS FEATURES HORATIO’S GARDEN MIDLANDS AND NEW HEAD GARDENER ALEX IN THE TELEGRAPH

Readers of The Telegraph may well have spotted us among the pages of the Gardening Section in Saturday 19th February’s edition thanks to Bunny Guinness mentioning Horatio’s Garden Midlands and our new Head Gardener, Alex Law, in her latest column.  To read Bunny’s piece for The Telegraph online, please click here  Please be aware that you will need to login Read the Rest...

LIAM’S VOLUNTEERING STORY

Liam is one of our brilliant volunteers in Horatio’s Garden London & South East. He’s 33 and lives in Harrow, which fortunately isn’t too far from Stanmore, where the sanctuary sits at The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.“I’ve recently made a pretty big career change to become a Gardener. Before that I worked as a Project Manager, firstly in financial services, Read the Rest...

MARK LORD & ANGIE LEWIN SUPPORT HORATIO’S GARDEN IN THE GREAT CHARITY POT & PRINT FAIR

Alongside potter Alexandra Barto, also known as Clay by Design, we have two wonderful printmakers supporting Horatio’s Garden by taking part in the brilliant Great Charity Pot and Print Fair.  Unknowingly, steadfast supporters Mark Lord (or Lino Lord to give him his printmaking name) and Angie Lewin both signed up to get involved in this fantastic fundraising event, which is Read the Rest...

CLAY BY DESIGN SUPPORTING HORATIO’S GARDEN IN THE GREAT CHARITY POT & PRINT FAIR

Last year, Alexandra Barto, founder of Clay by Design, generously took part in the very first Great Charity Pot Sale in order to help raise money for Horatio’s Garden. After the event caught the interest of amateur, professional and star potters alike, the online sale has grown to become The Great Charity Pot and Print Fair, with Alexandra getting involved Read the Rest...

DES’ VOLUNTEERING STORY

Meet Des.  He’s recently become a volunteer in Horatio’s Garden Midlands.  Here, he’s pictured with Helen Silver, a hugely respected nurse at the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI) who retired in October 2020 and who was awarded a Nursing Silver Medal by Ruth May, England’s Chief Nursing Officer.  Remarkably, she met and cared for Des when he was first injured Read the Rest...

CREATIVE STORIES FROM HORATIO’S GARDEN SOUTH WEST

Professional photographer Hilary Stock’s initial workshops came to an end in Horatio’s Garden South West just before Christmas, marking the culmination of an absolutely incredible few weeks in the sanctuary. Throughout the sessions held in the garden, lots of patients joined Hilary to take photos of a professional quality for the first time, whilst others rediscovered their long lost passion Read the Rest...

HORATIO’S GARDEN IN GROW YOUR OWN MAGAZINE

Bhupinder Sohanpal is a former lawyer, who following a stroke decided to reevaluate and change her life. She has since become the presenter of the RHS video series, Get Set Grow, is an RHS Volunteer Visitor Experience Guide at RHS Hilltop (Wisley Gardens) and is developing a new career as a garden writer specialising in wellbeing.  To find out more Read the Rest...

PIP’S STORY APPEARS IN SHIRE MAGAZINE

We were delighted to discover that Horatio’s Garden Midlands and former patient, Pip, have featured in the New Year issue of SHIRE magazine.  Please click here to read the article on page 95 of this month’s SHIRE  The team decided to get in touch following the broadcast of our BBC Lifeline Appeal last September, which featured three powerful stories, including Read the Rest...

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM HORATIO’S GARDEN

Here’s a little something to say thank you for all your support throughout 2021. Our gardens have remained tranquil havens for people adjusting to life-changing injuries, whilst each one has also given patients, their loved ones and NHS staff a thriving community to rely on in an extraordinarily difficult time. As a way of showing how grateful we are for Read the Rest...

head gardener ashley edwards features in bali inclusion & diversity panel event

The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) hosted an Access All Areas: Inclusion & Diversity panel event on Thursday 2nd December.  The 90-minute discussion was live-streamed and recorded in front of a small audience at The Auditorium, Royal Society of Arts (RSA) in London, meaning everyone could be part of the event by registering to watch for free via Zoom. The recording Read the Rest...

national garden scheme announce over £3 million in donations to uk charities

We’re absolutely thrilled to have learned that the National Garden Scheme has successfully raised and donated over £3 million to lots of UK charities this year, including Horatio’s Garden!  Since 2015, the National Garden Scheme has been an enormously generous supporter of our projects, making significant contributions to the capital appeals of our Stoke Mandeville, Midlands, London & South East and Wales gardens. Across the three of these gardens that Read the Rest...

head gardener sallie sillars guests on the hozelock blog

We’re delighted to see that we have once again featured on the Hozelock blog, with Head Gardener Sallie Sillars penning the latest article.   Hozelock have long been brilliant, continual supporters of Horatio’s Garden and in 2021 made us one of their chosen charities. Their kindness to us as an organisation is often reflected in their efforts to raise awareness of all that we do, whilst they Read the Rest...

itv news wales feature our sixth stunning sanctuary in cardiff

The planting on-site at Horatio’s Garden Wales caught the attention of the team at ITV Wales at Six, with Kate Lewis visiting University Hospital Llandough in Cardiff to see how everyone was getting on, appeal patron and Wales Rugby legend Sir Gareth Edwards included!   Following a lovely introduction from anchor Jonathan Hill, the piece opened with Amanda Harris, who seven years ago spent seven months in the Welsh Spinal Cord Read the Rest...

planting begins with sir gareth edwards in horatio’s garden wales!

“Having spent a lifetime playing, watching and supporting rugby, I know having a Horatio’s Garden would have meant a lot to many friends who have experienced spinal injuries whilst playing the beloved game,” says Sir Gareth Edwards, who this week could be found enthusiastically joining in with the mammoth voluntary planting effort underway on the site of the soon-to-open Horatio’s Read the Rest...

rory’s story

Rory began his life in Dublin, Ireland.  Coming to the UK aged 17, he studied for his degree in Hotel Management in London before returning to Ireland to work in many a hotel throughout his twenties.  When his wanderlust could be contained no longer, Rory decided to embark upon a world tour to celebrate his 30th birthday, taking in the sights and sounds of Read the Rest...

cop26 and our scotland garden

Whilst sustainability has always been at the heart of Horatio’s Garden, COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference held from 31st November – 12th November 2021, has inspired even more action in our garden in Glasgow, within the charity as a whole and in the world beyond.  As Horatio’s Garden Scotland is situated in the city where COP26 was taking place, the sanctuary naturally became the charity’s COP26 focal point throughout Read the Rest...

we’re part of mind, body & soil’s november box!

We’re thrilled to once again by delivering self-care through plant care with Mind, Body & Soil, with our Plant Labels featuring in this November’s ‘Field to Fork’ box!  Please click here to order and find out more   Remember to use code HORATIO30 at checkout for 30% off your first box!  Unlike anywhere else, Mind, Body & Soil deliver you a monthly mindful boost Read the Rest...

our new garden room opens in horatio’s garden scotland!

Our horticultural havens are always being developed and Horatio’s Garden Scotland has been the site of a major mini-project for the past few months. Wonderfully, the sanctuary is now home to a stunning new garden room!   Back when internationally acclaimed garden designer and RHS judge, James Alexander-Sinclair, created the garden, which opened in 2016, there was limited land space. This meant it was Read the Rest...

head gardener sallie speaks to members of the royal botanic garden edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) delivers world-leading plant science, conservation and education programmes, with their mission being to ‘Explore, Conserve and Explain the World of Plants for a Better Future’.  Their collection was established in 1670 and is one of the best of its kind in the world, featuring 13,500 plant species from 157 countries, with 60% of the plants from wild Read the Rest...

mark warner is our new artist in residence in horatio’s garden midlands!

Remarkably, three weeks have passed since Mark Warner became our latest artist in residence in Horatio’s Garden Midlands. During that time he’s not only unlocked many people’s creativity, he’s also painted some truly incredible pieces of his own. In his first week, Mark was joined by a small group of patients, whilst others stopped by with their visiting loved ones to chat with the gathered artists and see what they Read the Rest...

autumnal artistry in horatio’s garden south west with katy mcintyre brown

One of the many wonderful things about our artists in residence is that they not only give everyone spending time in the garden the opportunity to embrace their creativity, but also give all of us the chance to discover some truly fantastic artists.     One person currently painting with Horatio’s Garden South West artist in residence, Katy McIntyre Brown, designer of Read the Rest...

chloe’s story

“When I was in Stanmore last year the garden was still being completed, so it has been really lovely to see the finished product and be able to enjoy it.”  Chloe is 30 years old.  A teacher at a brilliant school called Jigsaw, which specialises in education for children with an autism spectrum disorder, Chloe was happily living her life in West Sussex. She loved Read the Rest...

john’s poem

Some of you will remember that not so long ago we were lucky enough to welcome Creative Writer Jayne Woodhouse for a residency in Horatio’s Garden South West. Over the weeks she spent in the garden, she got to know those spending time in the sanctuary well, inspiring many to give creative writing a go. Two people, John and Simon, Read the Rest...

we’re looking for a head gardener for horatio’s garden south west, salisbury

We’re looking for someone knowledgeable, passionate and kind to join our team as Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden South West, Salisbury. *** Job Description Horatio’s Garden, a national charity, creating and nurturing beautifully designed gardens in NHS’s spinal injury centres are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced head gardener for a high-profile role at Horatio’s Garden South-West in Salisbury designed by celebrated Read the Rest...

jack folkestone finishes the marathon des sables!

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DONATE Last week, Jack Folkestone achieved something beyond words.  He completed the Marathon des Sables 2021, regarded worldwide as ‘the toughest footrace on earth’.  Not only that, but he finished 32nd out of 753 competitors. He was the 6th British competitor to finish and 1st in his age group.  Moreover, so far, including Gift Aid, he has raised £50,000 for Horatio’s Garden!   PLEASE CLICK Read the Rest...

sitting spiritually support horatio’s garden scotland

We are so grateful to Sitting Spiritually, who have generously donated one of their stunning, handcrafted Tranquillity Oak garden benches to our horticultural haven in Scotland.   The bench is already beloved by everyone spending time in the garden, including volunteer Karen, who Head Gardener Sallie snapped sitting upon it as she took a well-deserved break after a busy morning in the garden.   Nestled near the sanctuary’s brand new garden Read the Rest...

rigaud paris partner horatio’s garden

We’re delighted to announce that Rigaud Paris has become the latest wonderful brand to generously support and partner the charity!  To shop the full Rigaud scented candle collection, please click here  Use code HORATIO at checkout to receive 10% off your order  Every time you order using the code, Horatio’s Garden will receive 20% of the sale as a donation The Rigaud story began in 1852 Read the Rest...

our week at the rhs chelsea flower show!

Put simply, our week at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show was simply brilliant from start to finish! Set-up began on the Thursday prior to the Show’s opening, with phenomenal volunteer Dee and the great team at Graphic Mill transforming our spot on Cross Way with a touch of the charity’s signature colours and charm. The following day, volunteer Dee Read the Rest...

head gardener imogen jackson talks rhs chelsea on bbc radio shropshire

People waking up to the Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Shropshire this morning will have had the treat of hearing our very own Head Gardener, Imogen Jackson, chatting all about the charity and her first time at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show!  To listen again on BBC Sounds, please click here  You’ll find Imogen’s interview at 2:46:00 – 2:51:45  Throughout the Read the Rest...

bunny guinness mentions horatio’s garden in her rhs chelsea feature for the telegraph

We were absolutely delighted when Bunny Guinness offered to design our RHS Chelsea Flower Show planters, all of which are full of beautiful blooms and have now been adorning our tradestand on Cross Way since Monday.   Whilst Bunny has already done an enormous amount to support the charity, she has taken another step to help raise awareness of what we do by generously mentioning us as part of her Read the Rest...

bbc radio wiltshire visit us at rhs chelsea!

It was lovely to welcome the team from BBC Radio Wiltshire to our RHS Chelsea Flower Show tradestand on Press Day yesterday, who were marking the eagerly anticipated return of the event by hearing from people usually based across the county.  To listen again on BBC Sounds, please click here  You’ll find the feature at 1:49:37 – 1:54:50  As part of the station’s afternoon programme, Read the Rest...

head gardener ashley shares his top houseplant advice on bbc gardeners’ question time

In the month marking the long-awaited return of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and in the year when houseplants are appearing as a major part of the event, Head Gardener Ashley Edwards has returned to BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time to talk about how to care for yours this winter!  To listen again on BBC Sounds, please click here  You’ll find Ashley’s piece approximately 14 minutes and 45 Read the Rest...

bbc lifeline appeal

After almost a year of preparation, we’re absolutely delighted to be able to share that Horatio’s Garden is the beneficiary charity of this month’s BBC Lifeline Appeal!  Presented by our ambassador, Alan Titchmarsh MBE, the appeal brings Horatio’s Garden to life by telling the stories of three inspirational people, Scarlett, Craig and Pip.  To watch and support our BBC Lifeline Read the Rest...

making mandalas: artist claire waltier macgillivray’s new collaborative project

Picking up from where she left off, artist in residence Claire Waltier MacGillivray has had yet another brilliant week in Horatio’s Garden Midlands.  She was once again joined by a small gathering of patients, with two people painting and others dropping by as and when they could. This week’s theme centred around mandalas, reflecting Claire’s promise to work with Nawid, who expressed an interest Read the Rest...

welcoming our new university of oxford interns, rafiah and mehrin

We’re delighted to have welcomed Rafiah and Mehrin to the team, who will be with the charity for six weeks as part of the University of Oxford Summer Internship Programme!   The scheme provides access to hundreds of funded internship opportunities, offering young people the chance to explore the world of work in a variety of sectors. Supported by the brilliant Crankstart programme and Read the Rest...

new artistic endeavours begin with artist in residence claire waltier macgillivray

It was an unusually quiet, yet tranquil, time in Horatio’s Garden Midlands for artist in residence Claire Waltier MacGillivray this week.   With lots of people leaving the spinal centre of late, Claire spent much of her afternoon talking to those who were embracing the fresh air, whilst she also created colour reference charts for the watercolour paint sets in the haven. They’re now ready and waiting for people to Read the Rest...

pip’s story

Pip has a passion for life.  Being someone willing to try almost anything, Pip has always made the most of every opportunity, discovering a whole host of joyful pursuits along the way.  One fated day, Pip’s life changed.  And yet, Pip’s passion for life remained. It was a horse riding accident that resulted in Pip becoming tetraplegic.  Being part of an active family, Read the Rest...

gardeningetc.com feature insights from head gardener imogen jackson

If you’re looking for some top notch hints and tips to spruce your own garden this summer, Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden Midlands, Imogen Jackson, recently shared some of her wisdom with the brilliant Gardeningetc.com.  The new website is the perfect place to start for anyone looking to create the perfect outdoor living experience, with thousands of design ideas, practical guides and expert advice to Read the Rest...

claire waltier macgillivray and her fellow artists experiment with campbella watercolours in horatio’s garden midlands

There was an exciting new addition to artist in residence Claire Waltier MacGillivray’s workshop in Horatio’s Garden Midlands this week, with the gathered creatives using vegan watercolours handmade by artist Katie Coates, creator of Campbella.   Claire was as intrigued by the paints as her fellow artists, all of whom loved experimenting with this familiar-but-different material. To give an insight into how the paints look once Read the Rest...

art continues in all winds and weathers in horatio’s garden midlands with claire waltier macgillivray

The past two weeks have seen the nation’s weather go from one extreme to the other, but that hasn’t stopped artist in residence Claire Waltier MacGillivray, nor the people she’s been working with, from taking note of the many wonderful things thriving in Horatio’s Garden Midlands.  The intense heatwave sweeping the country meant that many people were out enjoying the best of the weather and whilst Claire Read the Rest...

story: hans’ digital artwork inspired by horatio’s garden south west

We’re constantly amazed by the people we encounter in Horatio’s Garden and the many wonderful stories they generously share with us and all those who support the charity.  One such person is Hans, who is currently spending time in Horatio’s Garden South West in Salisbury.  He recently got chatting to Arts Programme Coordinator Intern, Evie Redwood, who was popping into the garden for one of her regular visits. Read the Rest...

kate graham completes her hula hoop 100 challenge!

Kate Graham is a friend of the Chapple family and was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore to attempt her own fundraising endeavour in support of Horatio’s Garden.  Please click here to donate to Kate’s JustGiving page The Captain Tom 100 Challenge began back in April, celebrating Captain Tom’s exceptional achievement and what would have been his 101st birthday. Seeing the nation coming together to remember all Read the Rest...

the bbc gardeners’ question time team record live in horatio’s garden london & south east!

We’re excited to share that a very special edition of BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time aired on Friday 23rd July at 3pm, with the episode recorded live in Horatio’s Garden London & South East last week!  To catch up on BBC Sounds, please click here  Alternatively, please tune in to BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 25th July at 2pm to listen to the repeated programme. To find out more about Read the Rest...

scarlett’s story

Meet Scarlett  Scarlett is an active 11-year-old sitting her SATs. She shares her south London home with her Mum and Dad, three sisters and one baby brother. Like many schoolgirls she loves singing, dancing and drama, but loathes spiders and wasps! She has a pet tortoise called Harry. All sounds very normal and all was very normal until one day Read the Rest...

helen baly is our new photographer in residence in horatio’s garden midlands!

Helen Baly is our new photographer in residence in Horatio’s Garden Midlands!  She recently visited the sanctuary for the very first time, meeting her fellow artist in residence Claire Waltier MacGillivray, Head Gardener Imogen Jackson, the garden’s volunteers and a great gathering of patients and their loved ones.  Describing her first session as ‘wonderful’ and sharing that she loved every minute of meeting and working Read the Rest...

matt writtle’s photographic residency continues in horatio’s garden london & south east

Matt Writtle has once again returned to Horatio’s Garden London & South East and this time there were more people waiting to join him on his photographic exploration of the sanctuary.  The small group gathered outside to chat with Matt and get to know him a little better, before they headed off to take their own photos and put his technical advice into practice.  Two of those who joined have Read the Rest...

therapeutic art in horatio’s garden midlands continues thanks to claire waltier macgillivray

Artist in residence Claire Waltier MacGillivray is now very much a part of Horatio’s Garden Midlands, with word spreading far and wide about her weekly sessions in the garden.  Whilst she was already personally aware of how much people were appreciating her artistic support, innovative ideas and wealth of watercolours, this week she was touched when both a doctor and a nurse took Read the Rest...

mohammed’s story

Mohammed’s life changed forever on an unexpectedly idyllic spring day.  Tempted by the warm weather, he and a friend decided to make the most of the sunshine by spending the afternoon cycling.  The temperature was pleasant. The breeze non-existent.  In short, the two were pursuing their shared passion in perfect conditions.  And then Mohammed saw something.  He noticed a tree that was just beginning Read the Rest...

welcoming wrags trainee donna brogan to horatio’s garden scotland!

It’s been a pleasure to welcome Donna Brogan to Horatio’s Garden Scotland, who this week began working with us in her new role as a Work and Retrain as a Gardener Scheme (WRAGS) Trainee, an initiative run by the Women’s Farm and Garden Association (WFGA).  Already we’ve seen that Donna will be a warm, welcoming and enthusiastic presence in the garden, Read the Rest...

team hugh james tackle the cardiff half marathon

Some of you will remember the brilliant Hugh James Neurolaw Team from last year, when they embarked upon a lockdown charity challenge that involved running a total of 2,800km and phenomenally raised over £2,000 in aid of Horatio’s Garden Wales.  Now, the team are back and they once again need your support!  Please click here to donate  The team were planning to take on Read the Rest...

jayne woodhouse is our new creative writer in residence in horatio’s garden south west!

The arrival of summer has led to a whole host of artistic individuals joining us in the garden for a variety of residencies, including Jayne Woodhouse, who’s become our very first Creative Writer in Residence in Horatio’s Garden South West!  Jayne recently began visiting the garden and will be encouraging patients to join her amongst the planting every Monday afternoon from 2pm – 3pm until Monday Read the Rest...

creative watercolour workshops continue with claire waltier macgillivray

Claire’s latest visit to Horatio’s Garden Midlands was particularly nice and rewarding, as the patients joining her are now not only familiar with her friendly company, but have also evidently embraced their newfound artistic skills to a point where their works are taking on a unique quality.  Despite only two people having the time to paint this week, plenty of others popped by and Read the Rest...

michelle’s story: celebrating nhs, social care & frontline workers’ day

Today marks NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers’ Day, the first event of its kind dedicated to showing our collective gratitude to all NHS and frontline staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to protect us and keep our essential services running, as well as a day to remember all those who have lost their lives from Coronavirus. The Read the Rest...

gardening on the frontline: press release to mark upcoming nhs, social care & frontline workers’ day

“If I could wave a magic wand, I would find a way of treating all patients, spinal and otherwise, who did not receive as much treatment for their spinal and orthopaedic injuries as they should have done during the pandemic.” Michelle Conlon has worked as an NHS nurse at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) in Stanmore for almost 25 Read the Rest...

friends awareness month

Becoming a Friend of Horatio’s Garden is a wonderfully generous way to support the charity, which is why we’re dedicating the month of July to celebrating each and every one of our regular givers with the very first Horatio’s Garden Friends Awareness Month.  Please click here to discover more about becoming a Friend of Horatio’s Garden  Recognising the incredible contribution of our Friends is something that’s always been important to us Read the Rest...

a patient’s perspective: exploring horatio’s garden midlands on film

“I thoroughly enjoyed this project. The garden is such a special place that brings joy to so many of us, patients and staff.”  For the past month or so, one particular patient in Horatio’s Garden Midlands has been working on a wonderful film which captures the beauty of the plants and wildlife waiting to be found in the haven from the perspective of a wheelchair. She Read the Rest...

tom stuart-smith visits horatio’s garden london & south east

It’s always a pleasure to welcome our designers back to each of our gardens and this week we were delighted to see Tom Stuart-Smith making a triumphant return to Horatio’s Garden London & South East.  Wandering through the sanctuary, Tom was thrilled to be able to quietly witness the garden being enjoyed by patients, families and NHS staff alike and was pleased too to discover just how well all Read the Rest...

miranda creswell is our artist in residence in horatio’s garden stoke mandeville!

Miranda Creswell is a professional artist who has long supported Horatio’s Garden and has previously been an artist in residence in both our stunning sanctuaries in the South West and Scotland. More recently, she installed The Butterfly Table in Horatio’s Garden Scotland, her original artwork for The Ripple Effect in Horatio’s Garden South West, which is part of the University of Oxford Read the Rest...

octavia butler completes her half ironman challenge!

Fabulous fundraiser Octavia Butler has completed her very first Half Ironman challenge in support of Horatio’s Garden this weekend, smashing her fundraising target of £3,500 to raise an immense total of over £4,300!  To donate to Octavia’s JustGiving page, please click here  Octavia announced she’d be taking on the gruelling event just eight weeks ago and since then support has flooded in Read the Rest...

bishop wordsworth’s school’s fundraising adventures

Students at Bishop Wordsworth’s School (BWS) in Salisbury have spent the spring and summer embarking on various fun adventures, which have successfully raised a fantastic total of £510 for Horatio’s Garden!  James Oldham, Head of Outdoor Education at BWS, got in touch with us last year to tell us all about his plans for the BWS Adventure scheme. Since then, he’s Read the Rest...

summer shopping with amazonsmile and give as you live

Did you know that this summer you can raise vital funds to help us continue supporting everyone affected by spinal injury by simply shopping with AmazonSmile and Give As You Live?   AmazonSmile Ordering with AmazonSmile is exactly the same as ordering with Amazon, only the best part is that every time you shop the company makes a 0.5% donation Read the Rest...

a wonderful afternoon at the longford castle open garden & plant sale

Yesterday marked our first major in-person event since the beginning of the pandemic, with the Longford Castle Open Garden & Plant Sale proving to be a phenomenal success!  Thanks to the charity’s extraordinarily generous Patron, the Countess of Radnor, and her family, we were able to welcome 500 people, including patients currently spending time in the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre at Salisbury District Read the Rest...

brilliant little brands are our new partners!

We’re thrilled to announce that Brilliant Little Brands (BLB) have become our latest partner, with the member brands generously donating 10% of every sale to Horatio’s Garden throughout June and July!  To shop with Brilliant Little Brands in support of us, please click here  With 1000s of inspiring gifts from a host of independent British brands, the online shop aims to be a win for charities, shoppers and Read the Rest...

head gardener stephen supports salisbury district hospital’s volunteers’ week celebrations

Our NCVO Volunteers’ Week celebrations are continuing, this time as part of the Voluntary Services Team’s plans to mark the occasion at Salisbury District Hospital.  As a ‘thank you’ to all the volunteers at the hospital, the organisation have put together a short series of talks, one of which will be by our very own Head Gardener, Stephen Hackett, on Monday 7th June.   Read the Rest...

artistry continues to be in abundance in horatio’s garden midlands thanks to claire waltier macgillivray

With an ever-increasing group of patients safely gathering in Horatio’s Garden Midlands to join artist in residence Claire Waltier MacGillivray, we’re thrilled to share that she’ll be extending her residency!  Whilst she was initially due to join us for six weeks, Claire’s been enjoying her time in the garden immensely and patients have been equally enthusiastic about her presence amongst the planting too.  Read the Rest...

a successful day at oswestry’s artisan market

We had a rather exciting and successful day at the Oswestry Artisan Market thanks to the phenomenal efforts of Garden Administrator, Gemma Christie, and our team in Horatio’s Garden Midlands.  Throughout the spring, a host of fantastic volunteers tended a plethora of plants so that we could be part of the ‘Garden Charities’ themed market. With their horticultural expertise to rely on, every last piece of foliage Read the Rest...

celebrating volunteers’ week!

We’re celebrating Volunteers’ Week, an event run by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NVCO), to recognise and thank the millions of volunteers who generously give up their time to help others.  The event runs from 1st – 7th June, with the theme being ‘A Time to Say Thanks’. As usual, the occasion is an opportunity to celebrate the millions of volunteers working throughout the UK and the essential contribution Read the Rest...

‘gardening talent’: head gardener ashley in the pages of gardens illustrated magazine

The June issue of Gardens Illustrated will be the publication’s special issue 300 centenary magazine and we’re delighted to share that Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden London & South East, Ashley Edwards, features inside the pages!  Launching their first edition in April 1993, Gardens Illustrated has been combining heritage with expert insights and contemporary inspiration to bring you the best in design and horticulture for almost Read the Rest...

creativity continues in horatio’s garden midlands with artist claire waltier macgillivray

Despite the inclement weather, artist Claire Waltier MacGillivray’s residency in Horatio’s Garden Midlands has been going wonderfully, with her third session due to take place this Tuesday from 12pm – 5pm.  Her second week as artist in residence brought the challenge of torrential rain, but whilst she was unable to sit outside to paint, Claire was still able to appreciate the garden in Read the Rest...

‘my favourite place’ in garden news by head gardener stephen hackett

Some of you will know of the ‘My Favourite Place’ feature in Garden News magazine and this week the contributor is none other than our very own Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden South West, Stephen Hackett.  Having been interviewed by Naomi Slade a few weeks ago, the big reveal is that Stephen’s favourite place is Blickling Hall, a stunning estate in Norfolk now owned by the National Trust.  As their website says, ‘nobody ever Read the Rest...

patricia samanta is painting a portrait in this week’s arty afternoon

Patricia Samanta is taking us to her outdoor studio in this week’s Arty Afternoon, which is where she’s currently working on creating a portrait of her daughter walking in the garden alongside the family’s beloved dog.  To watch and be inspired, please click on the ‘Play’ button below   She shares that much of her painting is done from resource photos, which Read the Rest...

dr olivia chapple features on the ‘gardening with the rhs’ podcast

Gardening with the RHS is the UK’s number one gardening podcast and in this week’s ‘Gardening with a Conscience’ episode, listeners will have the opportunity to hear from our very own Founder & Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, alongside Mothin Ali, founder of the Dig It Out campaign which aims to tackle racism in the horticultural world.  To listen to the episode, please click here or go to your Read the Rest...

tussie-mussies to celebrate international nurses day

Today is International Nurses Day, so in celebration of all the wonderful NHS nurses working in the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, patients, volunteers and Head Gardener Sallie Sillars tasked themselves with creating traditional tussie-mussies in Horatio’s Garden Scotland. Tussie-mussies are essentially small posies of flowers, but the tussie-mussie term emerged in the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 – 1901) when the dainty bouquets Read the Rest...

dr olivia chapple contributes to her salisbury story

Her Salisbury Story is a community project dedicated to celebrating Salisbury women of the past and present, with this week marking the release of their new interview with our Founder & Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple.  To listen to Olivia’s interview, please click here  Olivia was nominated to feature and contribute to the society’s archives, with the idea behind the collection being to Read the Rest...

amanda harris fundraises with immense coastal challenge

Amanda Harris, who some of you may remember completed a 146-mile cycle challenge in support of Horatio’s Garden Wales last year, is once again going on an incredible fundraising journey. To donate to Amanda’s Horatio’s Garden Coastal Challenge page, please click here   Since her spinal cord injury seven years ago, Amanda has thought almost every day about how easy it Read the Rest...

clare waltier macgillivray is our new artist in residence!

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that this week we’re welcoming our very first artist in residence to Horatio’s Garden Midlands!  With our plans for residencies disrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic throughout the past year, we’re incredibly excited by the prospect of soon seeing Claire Waltier MacGillivray safely popping into the garden.   She will be beginning her residency on Wednesday 12th May and will be in the Read the Rest...

garden day uk

The buzz around Garden Day UK was fantastic this year, with plenty of people joining in online and The English Garden magazine sharing a little bit more about why Sunday 9th May was an important date that most certainly deserved to be in everyone’s calendar. Garden Day UK is simply about sitting back, donning a flower crown and spending time Read the Rest...

bank holiday celebrations in horatio’s garden

It’s been truly wonderful to see our gardens once again being used as a place to safely welcome patients’ loved ones, particularly over the past Bank Holiday weekend.  With the sun shining for the most part, many families and friends enjoyed reuniting at a safe social distance, chatting for many hours and relishing the recent return of plenty of delicious homemade cake.  Whilst the atmosphere in every Read the Rest...

arty afternoons: exploring abstract art and colour with jane wachman

We’re escaping to a world of vivacious vibrancy in this week’s Arty Afternoon with abstract artist Jane Wachman!  To watch and be inspired, please click on the ‘Play’ button below   Jane spends much of her time in Wimbledon Art Studios and thought it would be nice to share a little more about how she works in the bright and beautiful place where she works. With almost every square inch Read the Rest...

ashley edwards features in bbc gardeners’ world magazine’s ‘creative containers masterclass’

If you’ve happened upon a copy of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine this month then you may very well have encountered Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden London & South East, Ashley Edwards!  Ashley is one of the magazine’s writers, alongside being one of our talented Head Gardeners, and this month he’s featuring alongside Emma Crawforth, David Hurrion and Humaira Ikram as part of the publication’s ‘Creative Containers Masterclass’.  Read the Rest...

dr olivia chapple talks the fabulous summer tea party on bbc radio wiltshire

You may have seen that we recently launched our fantastic fundraising campaign, The Fabulous Summer Tea Party, for the third year running, which Founder & Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, was invited to share more about on BBC Radio Wiltshire.  If you’d like to join in with the fun by hosting your own Fabulous Summer Tea Party this year, please click Read the Rest...

arty afternoon: watercolours en plein air with amanda cooper

In this week’s Arty Afternoon, we’ve decided to venture outside to paint using watercolours ‘en plein air’ with artist Amanda Cooper!  To watch and be inspired, please click on the ‘Play’ button below   Painting ‘en plein air’ essentially means painting outside ‘in situ’ as Amanda puts it, thus you capture the magic of the scene you see before you in real time with Read the Rest...

leading british artists support the horatio’s garden summer art auction

Over 60 of the UK’s leading artists have donated works to be auctioned online from Saturday 15th – Sunday 30th May 2021 to raise vital funds for Horatio’s Garden, a charity that supports patients, their loved ones and NHS staff affected by spinal injury through creating and nurturing beautiful, accessible, therapeutic gardens in NHS spinal injury centres. There are five Read the Rest...

joe swift returns to horatio’s garden stoke mandeville!

With the tulips bursting into life and Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville bathed in spring sunshine, designer Joe Swift and Founder & Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, truly picked the perfect day to visit the sanctuary!  Having been unable to see the garden in person for so long in light of government restrictions, the day felt like a real event and presented a brilliant opportunity for Read the Rest...

arty afternoons: botanical painting with sally pond

This week we’re delighted to be welcoming Botanical Artist Sally Pond to our Arty Afternoon atelier, with her video studying a stunning Helenium.  To watch and be inspired, please click on the ‘Play’ button below Despite not being filmed specifically for our creative series, the video exhibits Sally’s careful painting process, which we think you’ll find is a source of immense Read the Rest...

ashley edwards returns to bbc radio 4’s gardeners’ question time

With the first Narcissi starting to fade, Head Gardener Ashley thoughtfully decided to help everyone become a dab hand at deadheading in his latest BBC Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time segment.  To listen again on BBC Sounds, please click here  You’ll find Ashley’s piece approximately 13 minutes and 24 seconds into the recording.  Fortunately, not every flower needs deadheading, but as Ashley will tell you, Read the Rest...

easter celebrations in horatio’s garden

Despite there being a slight spring chill in the air, plenty of people ventured to Horatio’s Garden to celebrate the spirit of the season whilst basking in glorious sunshine this past Easter weekend. Each of our gardens across the UK enjoyed filling a few days with various culinary and horticultural indulgences, which naturally included lots of chocolate eggs, homemade cakes and a plethora of beautiful Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden feature in rnoh articulate magazine

It was lovely to see Horatio’s Garden featured in the March edition of Articulate magazine, which goes to all staff members of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), Stanmore.  To read the full article on pages 26-27, please click here  The article was all about introducing the wider hospital community to the impact our London & South East garden has had and the positive benefits enjoyed Read the Rest...

ashley edwards to appear on the charterhouse ‘ask the gardeners’ panel

Following the success of The Charterhouse’s online ‘Flower Power’ festival last year, this April they’ll be hosting a one night only spin off they’re calling ‘Ask the Gardeners’.  Our very Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden London & South East, Ashley Edwards, will be there, along with Kate Robinson, Head Gardener of The Charterhouse, Sarah Whiting of Nettlewood Flowers and Charlotte Muswell of Boma Garden Centre.  From Read the Rest...

evie redwood guides us through monoprinting with nature

Some of you will recognise the artist behind today’s Arty Afternoon video as Evie Redwood, our very own Arts Programme Coordinator!  To watch and be inspired, please click on the ‘Play’ button below    Evie joined Horatio’s Garden at the beginning of March, with her position funded by The Rank Foundation’s brilliant Time to Shine programme. Despite this only being her third week in her new role, already Evie has been busy Read the Rest...

our first site visit of the year to horatio’s garden wales!

This month marked our very first site visit of the year to Horatio’s Garden Wales!  Together award-winning designer, Sarah Price, her colleague Emma, and Project Manager, Owen Hemmings of the Robert Lombardelli Partnership, went to safely visit the space at the Welsh Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre in University Hospital Llandough, which is being transformed into a horticultural haven as we speak.   This is the fourth Read the Rest...

craig’s story

“I instantly knew I had hurt my neck. I feel lucky to be here.”  In June 2020, Craig’s life changed.  Following a car accident in his hometown in Ayrshire, he has spent over eight months away from home in the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit in Glasgow.  It’s been during this time that we’ve come to know him well.  Although Read the Rest...

artist miranda creswell brings the ripple effect to horatio’s garden south west

Some of you may remember Miranda Creswell as a former artist in residence in both Horatio’s Garden South West and Horatio’s Garden Scotland. She’s been a brilliant supporter of the charity for many years and now she’s returning to bring an exciting new project to the heart of our garden in Salisbury.  Last year, Miranda approached us about being part of The Ripple Effect, a public Read the Rest...

melanie reid presents ‘a life less vertical’ on bbc radio 4

Horatio’s Garden Ambassador, award-winning journalist and author of The World I Fell Out Of, Melanie Reid, has today presented A Life Less Vertical on BBC Radio 4.  To listen on BBC Sounds, please click here  The programme hears Melanie reunite with some of her ward mates, who she came to be very close with during the year she spent in the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Read the Rest...

arty afternoons: painting daffodils in acrylic with angela corben

Akin to the weather over recent weeks, today’s Arty Afternoon has a decidedly spring-like feel to it, as artist Angela Corben is guiding us through how to paint a heavenly host of daffodils!  To watch and follow along, please click on the ‘Play’ button below Acrylic paints are Angela’s material of choice, not only because they allow her to create particularly bright colours, but also because they’re wonderfully Read the Rest...

head gardener sallie speaks at trellis’ online conference

The arrival of March will hopefully mark the beginning of sustained weeks of warm, spring days, but as well as bringing spells of sunshine it’s also heralded the arrival of Trellis’ brand new seminar series! Trellis is Scotland’s network for therapeutic gardening and from 8th – 12th March they’re hosting an intriguing conference entitled Therapeutic Gardening: Learning from Around the Read the Rest...

dr olivia chapple joins helen fospero on the convex conversation podcast

The Convex Conversation is a weekly podcast series hosted by journalist and broadcaster, Helen Fospero. The episodes are an opportunity to listen to a wealth of inspirational life stories from a variety of people, including Susie Dent, Adil Ray OBE and Claire Lomas.  With such an impressive list of former guests, we’re thrilled to share that our very own Founder & Read the Rest...

dr olivia chapple and tom stuart-smith in the lady magazine

This March readers of The Lady will be able to discover more about Horatio’s Garden thanks to a thoughtful article penned by Ciar Byrne, which tells the story of the charity and how it has flourished throughout the past 10 years.  As Ciar writes, creating and nurturing each of our beautiful gardens has been a constant learning curve. Nevertheless, every single one Read the Rest...

karen camkin returns to our arty afternoons!

Karen Camkin is returning to our Arty Afternoons studio this week, bringing a touch of vibrance to everyone’s Wednesday by continuing the creative journey we began three weeks ago.  To watch and follow along, please click on the ‘Play’ button below Having grown up in Warwickshire and Gloucestershire, Karen has spent a lifetime roaming the countryside, with her appreciation for wildlife and green spaces inspiring Read the Rest...

cih webinar with head gardener imogen jackson

This February, the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) have resurrected their ever popular Spring Webinar Series, bringing you the latest research, developments and expert insights to celebrate the start of a new growing season.  The event returned on Thursday 25th of February and we were absolutely delighted to see Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden Midlands, Imogen Jackson, appearing as part of the evening’s panel discussion about Social & Therapeutic Read the Rest...

arty afternoons: natural dyeing with harriet bilton

We’re taking a look at sustainable textiles and natural dyeing in this week’s Arty Afternoon, which happen to be two of artist Harriet Bilton’s creative passions.  To watch and be inspired, please click on the ‘Play’ button below Harriet lives and works in Salisbury and loves to experiment with mixed media, combining textile processes in her work. She has been an artist for 15 years and gained Read the Rest...

tom stuart-smith gifts snowdrops to horatio’s garden

With spring shoots starting to flourish in abundance, plenty of us will have had our eyes drawn to colourful swathes of aconites, crocuses, irises and of course, snowdrops.  The iconic flower has long captured the imagination of award-winning garden designer, Tom Stuart-Smith, and in a wonderfully thoughtful gesture he this week generously gifted over 2,000 snowdrops to Horatio’s Garden London & South East.  Having been grown in Tom’s private garden, The Barn, the plants Read the Rest...

imogen jackson speaks to a gardening group in ohio!

We’ve made a virtual venture across the pond this month, which was all thanks to Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden Midlands, Imogen Jackson, giving an online talk to a gardening group based in the USA.  It was a particularly exciting event for all of us, but particularly for Imogen, who has penned the short piece about her experience below to mark the occasion.  Happy Read the Rest...

creating a winter garden book with tamsin loveday

Tamsin Loveday is lending her creative talents to our Arty Afternoons series this week, with a gorgeous video which guides you through how to make your very own Winter Garden Book.  To watch and follow along, please click on the ‘Play’ button below   As she shares in her recording, Tamsin likes to make art by any means necessary. She is primarily Read the Rest...

a thoughtful gift in horatio’s garden midlands

A little story to go with a thoughtful gift…  Back in December, a patient spending time in the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry spotted some Kilner jars online that she knew would be just perfect for her friend.  However, due to Coronavirus, delivery times were delayed and she knew they wouldn’t make it to her friend Read the Rest...

we appear on the fundación inspira blog

Our international reputation is growing and this week it’s thanks to photographer Nick Charlesworth, who’s written a lovely piece about his previous visit to Horatio’s Garden South West for the Fundación Inspira blog.  To read the full article, please click here  Fundación Inspira is a project in Chile that recovers places within hospitals and together with the local community transforms them into healing Read the Rest...

we host our first webinar: an evening of conversation with horatio’s garden

Yesterday we hosted our very first online webinar event, An Evening of Conversation with Horatio’s Garden, and were absolutely delighted to be joined by over 200 of our incredible supporters.  Our invitees gathered on Zoom for an informative hour of uplifting and insightful stories, which were all about how Horatio’s Garden has been helping patients, their loved ones and NHS staff throughout the past year, whilst also revealing a little more about Read the Rest...

keith jansz & alan titchmarsh talk horatio’s garden

In a fortuitous meeting, Keith Jansz and Alan Titchmarsh were recently in conversation as part of the Mouth and Foot Painting (MFPA) Virtual Coffee Mornings series, which is where the two discovered that they share a mutual support for Horatio’s Garden.  The MFPA is a partnership of disabled artists run by the artists themselves. Since Spring 2020, they’ve been working on their Virtual Coffee Morning project, which Read the Rest...

‘my favourite place’ by head gardener amy moffett

Remarkably, it’s already been a month since Amy Moffett joined the team as Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville and now she’s following in Horatio’s Garden Scotland designer James Alexander-Sinclair’s footsteps by appearing in Garden News magazine!  The ‘My Favourite Place’ feature is always an interesting read and having trained at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, it’s the Palm House that holds a special place in Amy’s heart.  Sharing stories Read the Rest...

tales from our volunteer poetry group

After a little festive winter’s break, the Horatio’s Garden Volunteer Poetry Group reconvened on Thursday for the first time this year!  The group emerged in lockdown last year thanks to a group of volunteers from across our gardens who prior to the outbreak of Coronavirus had just begun hosting ‘Poetry & Patisseries’ workshops each week for patients, with the support of our Head Read the Rest...

jane’s volunteering story

Jane Fletcher, one of our wonderful volunteers, has been involved with Horatio’s Garden London & South East since August 2020. She helped to plant the 10,000 plants needed to get the garden started.   Jane heard about the charity when Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville was featured on BBC Gardeners’ World in September 2019. Her father, Bill Fletcher, had been a patient at The London Spinal Cord Injury Centre in the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Read the Rest...

we’re looking for a garden administrator in horatio’s garden south west

We’re looking for someone to join our brilliant Horatio’s Garden South West team in Salisbury! If you’re interested in finding out a little more about the role and would like to apply, simply scroll down this page for all the relevant details. We look forward to hearing from you! *** Job Description We are seeking an enthusiastic part time administrator Read the Rest...

arty afternoons with digital artist olivia tuppen

This week we’ve been incredibly lucky to receive three Arty Afternoons videos from 2D/3D artist Olivia Tuppen! To watch the short series, please click ‘Play’ below As an artist and crafter, she specialises in bringing animals and creatures to life, but is willing to try her hand at almost anything creative. Whilst she is fond of traditional mediums, including using acrylic paint, pencils and watercolours, Read the Rest...

thank you to max reid

The RNOH Charity recently released their winter newsletter, which kindly features the opening of Horatio’s Garden London & South East, along with a reminder of supporter Max Reid’s incredible contribution to the project.  Since suffering spinal malformations around twenty years ago, Max has frequently been treated at the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre in the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore. Consequently, he became passionate about Read the Rest...

bbc ‘soundscapes for wellbeing’ & the virtual nature experiment

Soundscapes for Wellbeing is a brand new BBC project which will run from Tuesday 25th January through until the end of February, simultaneously marking the launch of The Virtual Nature Experiment commissioned by both the BBC and University of Exeter. To find out more about Soundscapes for Wellbeing, or to take part in The Virtual Nature Experiment, please click here.   Rebecca Sandiford, BBC Music Commissioning Executive, Read the Rest...

new arty afternoons video

Our Arty Afternoons series continues and this week we’ve been lucky enough to receive another video from abstract artist, Karen Welsh.  To watch Karen’s new video, please click ‘Play’ below    Whilst last week’s video concentrated on creating abstract squares, this week Karen’s been busy revealing how we can all use our imagination to capture the essence of blooming beauties at home.  Read the Rest...

arty afternoons return with painter karen welsh

Last year we launched our Arty Afternoons series on YouTube to encourage people with spinal injuries, their loved ones and all of our supporters to while away a lockdown afternoon or two getting creative.  To see the series, please click here  A whole host of artists generously gave up their time to film short videos, which we then shared with all of you Read the Rest...

stephen hackett writes for the english garden magazine

Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden South West, Stephen Hackett, has written a wonderful article for the February issue of The English Garden magazine.  The piece is part of a follow-up to Horatio’s Garden South West’s acknowledgment in the ‘Nation’s Favourite Garden’ competition, which took place in late 2019. The issue itself showcases all six winners, therefore this latest publication truly is full to the brim Read the Rest...

ashley edwards appears on bbc radio’s gardeners’ question time

Following his December appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time programme, Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden London & South East, Ashley Edwards, has once again featured in today’s broadcast!  To listen again on BBC Sounds, please click here  You’ll find Ashley’s piece approximately 29 minutes into the recording.  Whilst last time Ashley was sharing his advice on how to create your own naturally-inspired festive wreath Read the Rest...

we’re looking for an arts programme co-ordinator intern!

We have an exciting new internship opportunity, which is being generously supported by The Rank Foundation! To discover more about whether this is the role for you and find out how to apply, please read the information below. Job Description Arts Programme Co-ordinator Internship Horatio’s Garden is an award winning, national charity creating and caring for beautiful gardens in NHS Read the Rest...

welcoming head gardener amy moffett & garden administrator debs grigg to horatio’s garden stoke mandeville

The beginning of 2021 marks a bit of a change to the team in Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville, as we warmly welcome new Head Gardener, Amalia Moffett, and new Garden Administrator, Debs Grigg.  Amalia, known as Amy, is a Kew-trained horticulturalist with a fondness for all things bright and beautiful. She has 15 years of experience working in public gardens Read the Rest...

director of fundraising & communications maternity leave cover opportunity

Horatio’s Garden charity is looking for an experienced Fundraising leader to cover this maternity period. To read the full job description, please click here We are a growing, award winning, national charity improving the lives of people with spinal injuries by creating and nurturing outstanding garden projects in NHS spinal injury centres. The Director of Fundraising & Communications was a Read the Rest...

happy new year from horatio’s garden

True to Horatio’s Garden tradition, we’ve created this short video to wish all of our supporters a very Happy New Year. 2020 has been a year unlike any other and many of us, including everyone affected by spinal injury, have faced extraordinarily difficult times. However, your continued kindness and generosity has helped to ensure that Horatio’s Garden will always be Read the Rest...

visiting new wood trees with designer of horatio’s garden wales, sarah price

With building work on Horatio’s Garden Wales due to begin in the new year in the Welsh Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre at University Hospital Llandough in Cardiff, we’ve started thinking about the plants we’d like to see populating the garden.  As designer Sarah Price is known for her artistic, naturalistic planting style, we recently paid a visit to New Wood Trees, who specialise in multi-stem boscage.  Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden scotland in the scottish gardening magazine

Horatio’s Garden Scotland is taking centre stage in the winter issue of The Scottish Gardening Magazine.  If you would like to read the full article, please click here  The brand new title was established earlier this year and is dedicated to celebrating the diversity of Scotland’s gardening landscape. It incorporates an inspiring and informative mix of gardening, gardeners, gardens and growing taking place throughout Scotland in Read the Rest...

send horatio’s garden e-cards this christmas with ‘don’t send me a card’

We’re working with Don’t Send Me A Card, who have made it possible for you to turn the cost of your would-be Christmas cards into donations for Horatio’s Garden. The website invites supporters of all sorts of charities to send customised e-cards, with the idea being that the sender then donates the amount they would have spent on cards, envelopes Read the Rest...

world premiere: three men went to mow present ‘digging deep for horatio’s garden’

You may rightly know of Cleve West, James Alexander-Sinclair and Joe Swift as three celebrated garden designers who have each created a Horatio’s Garden. However, they are also known by another name. Together, they make up the timeless trio that is Three Men Went to Mow. As luck would have it, today marks the exclusive world premiere of their latest Read the Rest...

celebrating the silent solace of trees

The Tree Council are running National Tree Week from Saturday 28th November to Sunday 6th December and we’re joining in! Working together for the love of trees is something The National Tree Council are passionate about. They’re committed to bringing people together at a national and local level in order to care for trees, in turn helping to look after Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden in which? gardening, penarth view and taspo garten design

This week we’ve been lucky enough to feature in three publications, with each highlighting a different aspect of our work.  We were enormously excited to learn that the opening of our fifth project, Horatio’s Garden London & South East, has been included in this month’s issue of Which? Gardening magazine.  The short piece appears in the early pages of the periodical, detailing some of the lesser-known facts about Read the Rest...

pop gardens support horatio’s garden

We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering POP Gardens, who have become the latest small business to generously support Horatio’s Garden.  The innovative enterprise was established by Lynne Evans, who wanted to combine her expertise in Occupational Therapy with her passion for the practical benefits of gardening to support wellbeing and recovery.  Her desire to do this led her to realising there was a gap in the Read the Rest...

we feature in the good web guide!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  November naturally means lots of us will have a spot of seasonal shopping to do, but thanks to The Good Web Guide your search for the perfects cards and gifts will hopefully be that little bit easier.  The GWG team have put together a whole host of excellent Christmas recommendations and articles, ensuring you can treat all your loved ones this winter. Amongst them are Read the Rest...

thank you to our virtual vitality 10k runners!

Whilst most of us have spent the past week sheltering from the wind and the rain, a brilliant host of Horatio’s Garden supporters have been busy braving the elements to complete the Virtual Vitality 10k!  The event usually takes place in London, with runners taking to the streets en masse to appreciate the capital’s sights in the glorious May sunshine. However, this year the race Read the Rest...

join head gardener sallie at this year’s cih webinar series!

Our very own Horatio’s Garden Scotland Head Gardener, Sallie Sillars, will be speaking as part of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture’s (CIH) Grow Careers Scotland Webinar Series this November!  The series is running from Monday 16th November to Thursday 19th November, when the CIH will be joined from 1pm each day by a host of horticulturalists. The event will cover a variety of topical subjects and is aimed Read the Rest...

dr olivia chapple on fresh from the pod

Avid listeners of Candide’s podcast, Fresh from the Pod, hosted by Tamsin Westhorpe, will have heard that today’s guest was none other than our Founder & Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple! To listen, please click here The podcast is all about Tamsin meeting and chatting about the gardening adventures of various inspirational people, with previous guests including Carol Klein, Read the Rest...

garden room build begins in horatio’s garden scotland

We recently had a far from average afternoon in Horatio’s Garden Scotland as work began on our beautiful new garden room! Designed by talented architect Andy Steel of DAS Design, the new garden room will offer a cosy, warm place for everyone to spend time in, whether that be quietly alone or with friends, family and colleagues. It’s currently being Read the Rest...

become a horatio’s hero and support horatio’s garden wales

Thanks to many generous donations from a whole host of supporters, we’re thrilled to announce that we’re now in the final phase of fundraising for the capital appeal of our sixth project, Horatio’s Garden Wales!  Having all recently turned to our gardens, outdoor spaces and nature to help us through the past few months, many people have come to appreciate Read the Rest...

introducing horatio’s garden northern ireland on bbc radio ulster

Those of you who have read the new interview with our Founder & Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, in Gardens Illustrated may have seen that we have just started beginning to plan our seventh project, Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland!  One such reader was David Maxwell, the presenter of the much-loved Gardeners’ Corner programme on BBC Radio Ulster, who we were absolutely delighted to hear from following the article’s publication.  David got in touch to tell us Read the Rest...

dr olivia chapple interviewed for bbc radio london

BBC Radio London are currently celebrating their 50th anniversary, so when Founder & Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, recently gave a live interview on the Robert Elms Show it truly felt like our new garden had become part of the capital’s ongoing story.  If you would like to listen to the interview, please click here and go to 2:13:38  Robert asked plenty Read the Rest...

head gardener stephen writes for wiltshire life

Head Gardener Stephen Hackett was recently invited by Wiltshire Life to write a feature for their November 2020 issue, which resulted in him penning a timely piece complete with beautiful autumnal photographs of Horatio’s Garden South West.  The article spans three pages and thoughtfully begins by acknowledging the way in which Coronavirus and lockdown brought the importance and value of green spaces to the Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden midlands celebrates its official first birthday!

Those of you with keen memories may have noted that yesterday marked the first anniversary of the official opening of Horatio’s Garden Midlands in Oswestry! Please click on the relevant link to read more about Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville’s second birthday or Horatio’s Garden Scotland’s fourth birthday Patients and staff of the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI) gathered for a small celebration in Read the Rest...

sue stuart-smith in conversation with dr olivia chapple at the chelsea history festival

From 17th – 27th September, the Chelsea History Festival will be hosting an immersive mixture of digital and physical events to celebrate various elements of the borough’s intriguing past.  The Festival was co-founded by the National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Chelsea and Chelsea Psychic Garden, who are proud to host an annual programme of talks from world-class speakers, authors, thinkers and historians.  Whilst the format Read the Rest...

ashley edwards speaks at flower power

The Charterhouse, which has been part of the nation’s history since 1348, recently hosted a uniquely brilliant new event this September known as Flower Power! Throughout lockdown, the Brothers living in the almshouse spent much of their time in The Charterhouse’s beautiful gardens, which prompted the team to organise an online celebration of the power of gardens and gardening to Read the Rest...

the sgd awards support horatio’s garden

The Society of Garden Designers (SGD) have announced that the SGD Awards 2021 will be supporting Horatio’s Garden!  The SGD is the only professional association for garden designers, with its many national and international Members representing the very best of the industry.  Having been established by a group of eminent landscape designers in 1981, they have been championing excellence in garden design ever Read the Rest...

league of friends donate to horatio’s garden midlands

We would like to say an enormous thank you to the League of Friends at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH), who recently donated £1,000 to Horatio’s Garden Midlands! The League of Friends have been fundraising locally throughout lockdown to support everyone at the hospital, with this donation to support Horatio’s Garden just one of the many Read the Rest...

kitchen garden magazine feature horatio’s garden

Journalist Annabelle Padwick has kindly featured us in her recent article for Kitchen Garden Magazine celebrating every garden’s beneficial effects on our mental and physical wellbeing.  The feature was highlighting a few of the many charities that are all doing fantastic work in harnessing the therapeutic power of gardens and gardening, including our own.  Alongside Horatio’s Garden, the piece featured Thrive, Lindengate, Life at No. 27 and military rehabilitation charity, Highground. Each charity was Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden london & south east is open!

We have been absolutely delighted to be able to welcome patients and NHS staff to Horatio’s Garden London & South East for the very first time!   Please click the ‘Play’ icon below to watch our new video celebrating the opening of our new garden Please click here to become a Friend of Horatio’s Garden London & South East Our Read the Rest...

celebrating horatio’s garden stoke mandeville’s second birthday!

It’s hard to believe that Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville has now been open for two years, but time has flown by and today does indeed mark the garden’s second birthday! To celebrate, Head Gardener Jacqui decided to do a special tour of the garden, which you can watch below.  Please click on the relevant link to read more about Horatio’s Garden Scotland’s fourth birthday Read the Rest...

happy 4th birthday horatio’s garden scotland!

As if to prove that time really does fly when you’re having fun, Horatio’s Garden Scotland recently celebrated its fourth birthday! Please click on the relevant link to read more about Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville’s second birthday or Horatio’s Garden Midlands’ first birthday Together with Head Gardener Sallie, designer James Alexander-Sinclair, Trustee Catherine Burns and Fundraising Assistant Beth Keever, all visited the Read the Rest...

we’ve partnered with mind, body & soil

We’re absolutely delighted to announce that we’ve partnered with Mind, Body & Soil, a brilliant subscription service that’s part of the SmartPlant family! Please click here to find out more Remember to use code HORATIO for 30% off your first box! Unlike anywhere else, Mind, Body & Soil emphasise the importance of self-care through plant care by delivering a new Read the Rest...

mccarthy & stone support horatio’s garden

A stunning late August morning in Horatio’s Garden South West, Salisbury, was made just perfect thanks to a generous donation from McCarthy & Stone. As the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities, the company have recently been working in Salisbury and became aware of the charity’s roots in the city. Consequently, they kindly got in touch to help Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden midlands: one year on

As unbelievable as it may seem, Horatio’s Garden Midlands has now been flourishing in Oswestry for a whole year, so in celebration we thought we’d take a look back at a few of our fourth garden’s highlights over the past 12 months. When the garden first welcomed patients and NHS staff in late August it became immediately clear that it Read the Rest...

my prudential ridelondon success!

Over the course of last weekend a few fantastic fundraisers took part in the at-home My Prudential Ride event, which replaced this year’s Prudential RideLondon-Surrey cycle. Richard and Charlotte Weight were originally planning on taking part in the mass London cycle, opting to take on the 100-mile challenge in support of Horatio’s Garden. Although they couldn’t cycle the iconic streets Read the Rest...

planting has begun in horatio’s garden london & south east!

This week our fifth garden at the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre in the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore has been a hive of activity as we’ve begun filling the flower beds with all manner of greenery. A fantastic team of volunteers have been working tirelessly to plant up the garden, which was a meticulously organised process, alongside Head Gardener Read the Rest...

week of thanks

Following the incredible support we’ve received both this year and in years previous, we’ve decided to hold a Week of Thanks across all our social media channels from Monday 3rd – Sunday 9th August.  Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn We’re incredibly lucky to be supported by so many wonderful donors, ambassadors, patrons, Friends, Read the Rest...

arty afternoons: natural inspiration with louisa crispin

Louisa Crispin is the latest artist to create a video for our Arty Afternoons series, offering us all a little insight into how we can both capture and lose ourselves in the creative gifts of nature.   Having discovered a passion for drawing in 2010, Louisa often finds herself lost in a world of intricate natural observations. The self-styled ‘Artist Gardener’ is entranced by Read the Rest...

hrh princess eugenie virtually visits horatio’s garden

On Tuesday 14th July, HRH Princess Eugenie virtually visited national charity Horatio’s Garden to find out more about how they’ve been supporting patients with spinal injuries, their loved ones and NHS staff throughout lockdown.  Since becoming the charity’s Royal Patron in 2019, Princess Eugenie has frequently been in touch with the charity and in light of Coronavirus felt it was important Read the Rest...

an artist in lockdown by katy mcintyre-brown

Some of you may remember Katy McIntyre-Brown as one of our former Arty Afternoon contributors, where she gently taught us about capturing the beauty of bluebells on canvas. Despite having already lent us her artistic talents, this week Katy is back with a new video offering a glimpse into her creative world through lockdown, as well as providing advice on Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden in how to spend it

We were thrilled to feature in Saturday 11th July’s issue of How To Spend It, the magazine which has been part of the Financial Times for more than 40 years and is widely regarded as the benchmark for luxury lifestyle publications.  Horatio’s Garden was mentioned in both the ‘Editor’s Letter: What is Beauty Now?’ as well as in a lengthier piece entitled ‘Mind, Body and Soil’ which can be Read the Rest...

head gardener imogen on bbc radio shropshire

Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden Oswestry, Imogen Jackson, featured on BBC Radio Shropshire today, speaking to Adam Green all about gardening in lockdown. If you missed Imogen’s interview, click here to catch up. You’ll find us around 2 hours and 10 minutes into the programme. Adam enthusiastically introduced the charity and Imogen, who began by telling listeners all about the Read the Rest...

west brom building society donate to horatio’s garden oswestry

Horatio’s Garden Oswestry has once again hit the headlines of the Oswestry & Border Counties Advertizer thanks to a generous donation from The West Brom Building Society, which has a local branch in the town.  The article tells the story of the business’ charitable arm, the Mercian Community Trust, generously donating £1,000 to Horatio’s Garden Oswestry in order to ensure that the Read the Rest...

remembering rose paterson

Everyone at Horatio’s Garden is extremely sad to learn of the loss of Rose Paterson at the end of June. Rose was a wonderful friend to Horatio’s Garden. As an appeal patron, Rose helped tirelessly and generously with the fundraising for Horatio’s Garden Oswestry at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital and we will be forever grateful for her kindness Read the Rest...

podcast time: james alexander-sinclair on fresh from the pod

Designer of Horatio’s Garden Scotland, James Alexander-Sinclair, has featured on the latest episode of Fresh from the Pod, a Candide podcast hosted by Tamsin Westhorpe.  Being an RHS judge, co-chair of the Garden Media Guild, writer and gardener, Tamsin was the perfect person to chat to James about his commitment to the horticultural show circuit, his passionate showmanship and the importance of Horatio’s Garden.  Read the Rest...

raising awareness of horatio’s garden wales

Our new project, Horatio’s Garden Wales, has been featured in both the Cardiff & Vale Health Charity Newsletter and Welsh Country, a magazine dedicated to life in the Welsh countryside.  Each piece explains how we’re collaborating with Cardiff & Vale Health Charity in order to create our sixth exceptional garden, which will be part of the new, state of the art Welsh Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre. Both Read the Rest...

coronavirus update: horatio’s garden oswestry

Another month of 2020 has passed in the blink of an eye, which means we have more stories for you from each of our beautiful gardens around the UK.  Whilst lots of you reading this will know how important outdoor spaces are for everyone’s health and wellbeing, this year has truly placed the value of nature at the forefront of our collective consciousness. Just as your gardens, local Read the Rest...

coronavirus update: horatio’s garden stoke mandeville

Another month of 2020 has passed in the blink of an eye, which means we have more stories for you from each of our beautiful gardens around the UK. Whilst lots of you reading this will know how important outdoor spaces are for everyone’s health and wellbeing, this year has truly placed the value of nature at the forefront of our collective consciousness. Just as your gardens, local Read the Rest...

coronavirus update: horatio’s garden salisbury

Another month of 2020 has passed in the blink of an eye, which means we have more stories for you from each of our beautiful gardens around the UK.  Whilst lots of you reading this will know how important outdoor spaces are for everyone’s health and wellbeing, this year has truly placed the value of nature at the forefront of our collective consciousness. Just as your gardens, local Read the Rest...

bbc news feature amanda harris’ cycle challenge

Some of you may be aware that incredible supporter Amanda Harris recently completed her 150-mile at-home cycle challenge to raise funds for Horatio’s Garden Wales and now the story has captured the attention of BBC News!  To read the BBC Wales article, please click here.  To watch the BBC Wales report, please click ‘Play’ on the video below. BBC News Wales Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden wales in gardens illustrated

Horatio’s Garden Wales is featuring in the July issue of Gardens Illustrated thanks to award-winning journalist, Annie Gatti.  Having previously worked as an editor and journalist for numerous national publications, Annie is now a freelance writer specialising in all things related to gardens and gardeners. Her work frequently appears in Gardens Illustrated and the like, as well as The Telegraph and The Guardian, hence we are Read the Rest...

health is made at home – new book by lord nigel crisp

Lord Nigel Crisp, former Chief Executive of the English NHS, has recently written a new book entitled Health is Made At Home, Hospitals are for Repairs: Building a Healthy and Health-Creating Society.  Lord Crisp led major NHS reforms between 2000-2006, whilst he was also Permanent Secretary of the UK Department of Health. Since then, he has worked globally, with an emphasis on Africa, where he Read the Rest...

progress in horatio’s garden london

To donate to Horatio’s Garden London, please click here. Having been blessed with weeks of glorious weather, there’s been a lot of progress in Horatio’s Garden London since spring! The team from ARJ Construction have been working incredibly hard at the site, even giving up their weekends in order to stick to their schedule. Despite supply chain disruptions and all Read the Rest...

grow to give news

Lots of you have been getting involved with our new national fundraising event, Grow to Give, this summer and we’ve loved hearing how some of your garden gate sales have already raised incredible amounts for the charity! Grow to Give is all about small acts of kindness. At the beginning of lockdown, we began by encouraging everyone to leave fresh Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden in sia ‘forward’ magazine

The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) has supported people with spinal cord injuries for over 40 years. As part of their commitment to being a leading source of advice and information for people with SCI, the charity publish a bi-monthly magazine providing the SCI community with a wealth of information and stories. Members have real ownership of the magazine, as the Read the Rest...

coronavirus update

Throughout the Coronavirus crisis, Horatio’s Garden has been a lifeline for patients with spinal cord injuries and NHS staff who are currently living and working in hospital. “I am so proud of all the patients and staff, many of whom have been helping in the garden. To see everyone outside, not dwelling on their worries and hearing them chat and Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden in the cardiff times

This week Horatio’s Garden has been featured in the Cardiff Times as word begins to spread about our sixth project at University Hospital, Llandough. The free monthly magazine features a variety of local news and everything related to the life of the Cardiff community, including a whole host of good causes that need public support. As such, they’ve thoughtfully mentioned Read the Rest...

virtual rhs chelsea flower show

Today we would have been ready and waiting on Cross Way to welcome fellow garden enthusiasts to the world’s greatest flower show.  However, whilst we might be unable to celebrate with you in person this year, we will still be joining in with everything the RHS have planned as part of their Virtual RHS Chelsea Flower Show week.  Click here to visit the Read the Rest...

joe swift & horatio’s garden in gardeners’ world magazine

Joe Swift, designer of Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville, wrote a wonderful piece for the March issue of Gardeners’ World Magazine detailing how the beautiful garden was brought to life and what the extraordinary project means to him.  The article is aptly titled ‘My Recipe for Wellbeing’, which tells the story of how Joe came to be involved with the charity Read the Rest...

the story behind our new tea towel

Click here to purchase our brand new tea towel.  Katy McIntyre-Brown has painted all her life.  Growing up between Highbury, North London and a rambling water mill on the Somerset coast, she was always drawn to the calming power of nature, particularly as it contrasted the harsh architectural forms of the city.  Her passion became her profession in 2005, when Katy and her Read the Rest...

the good web guide – interview with dr olivia chapple

The Good Web Guide constantly curate and feature a library of leading websites, podcasts, influencers and blogs, which are all handpicked by their expert team and guest editors. This week, Founder & Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, featured as guest editor, sharing all her online favourites and giving readers a little insight into what she enjoys besides her work. Read the Rest...

photography with richard foster

We’ve been supported by some fantastic artists throughout our Virtual Arty Afternoons series on YouTube and this week is no different! Our latest video comes from professional photographer, Richard Foster, who has generously taken the time to create this brilliant video to help all of us take the perfect picture with just an iPhone (or equivalent). As a leading specialist Read the Rest...

clap for carers and ve day celebrations

This bank holiday weekend we’ve joined the rest of the UK in celebrating VE Day and the NHS. Each Horatio’s Garden honoured the service and sacrifice of a generation in their own unique way, whilst simultaneously thanking all those who are currently working on the frontline. In Horatio’s Garden Scotland, former volunteer Archie Campbell returned with his bagpipes in hand Read the Rest...

anneka rice mentions horatio’s garden in the daily mail

Veteran broadcaster and keen artist, Andrew Marr, recently launched the ‘Britain in Spring’ art competition in a long form article for The Daily Mail.  As the competition’s Head Judge, Marr explained that the competition is all about capturing any stunning ‘spring-scapes’ currently flourishing in the UK. Quoting artist David Hockney, who recently said under lockdown in France “Do remember they can’t cancel Read the Rest...

national garden scheme ‘gardens and health week’

We can’t believe that it’s been a whole year since the National Garden Scheme last held their annual Gardens and Health Week and this May the initiative is perhaps more important than ever.  Gardens and Health Week is all about championing gardens as places of solace, recuperation and relaxation throughout the year, every year. The campaign, running from Friday 8th May to Saturday 16th May, will raise Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden in the times

This week we were mentioned in Alice Thomson’s column for The Times which argued that the joy of gardens and gardening should be open to all.  The piece illustrated how lockdown has led to more people spending time in their gardens and indeed gardening than ever before, citing that nearly a third of a million people visited the RHS website to learn how Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden stoke mandeville in the telegraph

Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville has this week been featured in The Telegraph in a fantastic article by Anna Tyzack, which explores the transformative power of our gardens and how they’re currently more important than ever.  The piece provides an insight into the impact of a spinal cord injury and how Covid-19 is magnifying patients’ concerns. Graeme Stone, who is currently a patient of the National Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden in pro landscaper magazine

Pro Landscaper magazine recently featured a brilliant article about Horatio’s Garden which asked the rather timely question of ‘How do gardens make a difference?’ As many of you will know, Horatio’s Garden regularly contributes to such discussions by demonstrating the various ways in which gardens have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of both patients with spinal injuries Read the Rest...

our arty afternoons youtube series continues!

This week our Arty Afternoon video has been created by Dorset-based artist, Lucy Bentley.   Lucy works as a professional artist in between teaching students at Hanford School as Head of Art. She adores painting, drawing and creating and everything she does has vibrancy at its heart. Using a wide range of techniques and materials, Lucy does a great variety of work Read the Rest...

virtual tour of slade in support of the national garden scheme

Click to watch Rosamund’s Tulip Tour of Slade.  As some of you may know, Rosamund Davies was due to open her beautiful garden in Slade in support of the National Garden Scheme this month. However, as Coronavirus has caused the National Garden Scheme to shut all its gardens for the foreseeable future, now Rosamund is giving you the opportunity to virtually visit her stunning garden as part Read the Rest...

baroness masham’s letter to the times

Baroness Masham of Ilton is a wonderful supporter of Horatio’s Garden and recently became one of the charity’s ambassadors. As part of her commitment to championing disability, which she has continued throughout her 50-year career in the House of Lords, she has recently written a letter to The Times to plea for people living with spinal cord injuries to be considered Read the Rest...

virtual arty afternoons

We’re giving everyone the chance to join in with our new Virtual Arty Afternoons, with the aim of gently encouraging people everywhere to embrace their creative side. The first two videos have been created by wonderful young artist, Alice Penrose, who is currently studying Biology at University of Oxford. Prior to her beginning her undergraduate degree, Alice gained a Foundation Read the Rest...

the well gardened mind – new book by sue stuart-smith

Prominent psychiatrist, psychotherapist and Horatio’s Garden supporter, Sue Stuart-Smith, will soon be releasing her new book The Well Gardened Mind.  Having studied at Cambridge, Sue went on to work in the National Health Service for many years and became the lead clinician for psychotherapy in Hertfordshire. She has long been passionate about the value and importance of the natural world, which forms the basis Read the Rest...

the shropshire star feature imogen’s fundraising adventure

Senior Reporter for the Shropshire Star, Deborah Hardiman, recently visited Head Gardener, Imogen Jackson, in Horatio’s Garden Oswestry to find out more about her adventure walking John Muir Way. Over 10 days, Imogen, husband Allan, friend Andrew and dog Toby walked the 134-mile coast-to-coast route in order to raise money for the charity. The group camped along the way, which Read the Rest...

continued support from woolley & wallis

We’re thrilled to have been featured in the Spring/Summer edition of Woolley & Wallis’ magazine, which tells readers more about the Salisbury salerooms’ continued support of Horatio’s Garden. Woolley & Wallis have generously supported the charity from the very beginning, funding sculpture exhibitions in our Salisbury garden annually whilst also support numerous events throughout the years. Most recently, the organisation Read the Rest...

waitrose continue supporting horatio’s garden

Another two wonderful Waitrose stores have been supporting Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville over the past month, raising almost £600 for the garden between them. Shoppers in Waitrose Windsor and Waitrose High Wycombe have been generously voting for the charity with their green tokens over recent weeks, helping to raise vital funds for the charity. Now that the month has drawn Read the Rest...

message from founder & chair of trustees, dr olivia chapple

In the Coronavirus crisis patients with spinal injuries are going to need a safe garden sanctuary to be away from the ward and seek the calm of nature more than ever before. Our patients are facing increasing social isolation as visits to the spinal centres are being limited and the additional fears of the effect of the virus to them. Read the Rest...

spring supper at pythouse

We recently hosted a spring supper at the idyllic Pythouse Kitchen Garden which was attended by many wonderful friends and supporters of Horatio’s Garden. The cosy evening was organised by volunteer Elaine Vaughan, who thought it would be a lovely way to share with over 60 guests how far the charity has come in just a few short years. Many Read the Rest...

celebrating international women’s day

We were delighted to discover on the morning of International Women’s Day (Sunday 8th March) that our Royal Patron, HRH Princess Eugenie, had shared a story on Instagram celebrating the women who inspire her, with Founder & Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, featuring in the post. The story celebrated her mother, Sarah Ferguson, sister, HRH Princess Beatrice and her Read the Rest...

breaking ground in horatio’s garden london!

We have officially begun our fifth project at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore (RNOH) this week, with the help of our wonderful celebrity ambassador Anneka Rice.  To date we have planted hope for patients, their families and friends in Salisbury, Scotland, Stoke Mandeville and Oswestry. Now, having raised an incredible total of £1.2 million, work on Horatio’s Garden London is underway.  Read the Rest...

early spring workshops in horatio’s garden

Spring is a busy time in Horatio’s Garden and patients have been enjoying making the most of the brighter days, either by taking part in gentle horticultural therapy sessions, or by embracing their creativity.  In Salisbury, those joining volunteer Sheila in the weekly art group have loved having a space to produce works in their own artistic styles, whilst some have also been tempted to try new Read the Rest...

thank you all waitrose shoppers!

A selection of Waitrose stores having been supporting Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville this year as part of their Community Matters scheme. Waitrose stores in Thames, Buckingham and Welwyn Garden City have currently presented us with cheques equalling a grand total of £1,138, which has all been raised by the many wonderful shoppers who have voted for us with their green Read the Rest...

dr olivia chapple on broradio

Founder and Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, recently featured on BroRadio, which is the local radio station responsible for broadcasting across the Vale of Glamorgan.  Olivia was welcomed on air for her live interview by Geoff Selby, who artfully guided the segment aimed at raising awareness of the charity now that we’ve begun the capital appeal for Horatio’s Garden Cardiff.  Olivia introduced Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden scotland on beechgrove repotted

We were very excited to see that Horatio’s Garden Scotland featured on yesterday evening’s episode of Beechgrove Repotted! The segment about Horatio’s Garden begins at approximately 8 minutes 30 seconds. CLICK HERE TO CATCH UP The Beechgrove Garden team previously visited our garden at the Queen Elizabeth Spinal Injuries Unit in Glasgow back in 2017, speaking with Founder & Chair Read the Rest...

winter art in the gardens

There’s always something happening in Horatio’s Garden, but it’s been particularly busy in Salisbury and Stoke Mandeville this January as we’ve welcomed three brilliant artists to the charity.  In Salisbury, Katy McIntryre-Brown is our winter artist in residence and she recently joined volunteer artist Sheila in the garden’s weekly art group. Katy got to know many of the patients and families Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden takes part in the big garden birdwatch

The RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch took place this year from 25th – 27th January and Horatio’s Garden certainly enjoyed getting involved.  The Birdwatch is the world’s largest wildlife survey, with over half a million people regularly taking part. It’s been taking place for the past 40 years and enables scientists to monitor trends and helps them to understand how wildlife Read the Rest...

new year in horatio’s garden

Many patients and their loved ones spent Christmas in the comfort of Horatio’s Garden, spending time with each other and helping our volunteers and Head Gardeners prepare for the New Year. In our Stoke Mandeville garden, the Christmas tree was much-appreciated by all and we are so grateful to Peterley Manor Farm for bringing a touch of magic to the Read the Rest...

lillian’s volunteering story in the glasgow evening times

The Glasgow Times have recently begun a weekly column about volunteering in Glasgow and featured Lillian, a volunteer in our Scotland garden, in their very first edition! Lillian kindly shared her wonderful story, which told the audience all about the charity and why she feels that volunteering in Horatio’s Garden is “worth its weight in gold.” We are so pleased Read the Rest...

rebecca rason flor ferreira is our new artist in residence in stoke mandeville!

Professional, versatile artist Rebecca Rason Flor Ferreira will soon be joining us as the new artist in residence in Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville!  Rebecca will be in the garden every Monday from 12pm – 5pm from Monday 13th January to Monday 24th February. Patients and their loved ones will all have the chance to paint with Rebecca, who will be offering gentle Read the Rest...

katy mcintyre-brown is our new artist in residence in salisbury!

Self-taught, professional artist Katy McIntyre-Brown will soon be joining us in Horatio’s Garden Salisbury.  Katy will be starting her winter residency in the garden on Wednesday 15th January and thereafter will be in the garden every Tuesday from 4th February until then end of March. Patients, families and friends will all have the opportunity to paint alongside Katy, or can Read the Rest...

an incredible carol concert

On Monday 2nd December we welcomed over 800 of you to the very first Horatio’s Garden Carol Concert and what an evening it was!  We couldn’t believe how many of you chose to join us for the event and the enthusiasm shown by each and every one of our wonderful supporters made for a truly incredible atmosphere. Amongst their family and friends, everyone soon settled Read the Rest...

festivities in horatio’s garden

There have been a whole host of festivities taking place in each Horatio’s Garden across the UK, bringing a touch of Christmas magic to patients, families, friends, NHS staff and our wonderful supporters.  In Salisbury, an overwhelming number of people came along to the garden’s annual Christmas Fair, with many commenting they’d found more than a few ideal gifts for Read the Rest...

bbc’s sir matthew pinsent interviews peter reed in salisbury

It was wonderful to see both Sir Matthew Pinsent and former Olympic rower Peter Reed together in Horatio’s Garden Salisbury recently, when Matthew visited to interview Peter for a string of BBC programmes.  Peter recently suffered a spinal stroke and has been spending time in the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre. He has become a regular visitor to the garden, Read the Rest...

winser london support horatio’s garden stoke mandeville

On Monday 11th November, luxury womenswear label Winser London held an exclusive shopping evening in support of Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville. The event was incredibly well-supported, with over 25 happy shoppers joining us in Marlow for the occasion. The evening raised over £700 for the garden, thanks to Winser London generously donating 20% of all sales to Horatio’s Garden. We Read the Rest...

the capital appeal for horatio’s garden cardiff is officially launched!

Click here to find out more about Horatio’s Garden Cardiff and to watch our brand new appeal film. On Thursday 14th November we held the official launch of our capital appeal for Horatio’s Garden Cardiff at the Cardiff & County Club. The charity was joined by over 100 enthusiastic new supporters, including rugby legend Sir Gareth Edwards. Everyone who attended was Read the Rest...

barn dancing fun in aid of stoke mandeville

On Saturday 9th November almost 100 people dressed in their country best and joined in with a fabulous Barn Dance in aid of Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville. The event was kindly organised by a group of Stoke Mandeville volunteers, who decided to go above and beyond in order to raise money for the garden. Guests were treated to a delicious Read the Rest...

celebrating trustees’ week

This year we’re celebrating Trustees’ Week, which runs from Monday 4th to Friday 8th November.  Our trustees are an integral part of Horatio’s Garden, volunteering their time, expertise and advice to ensure that the charity continues to plant hope for everyone affected by spinal injury across the UK.   All our trustees are incredibly dedicated to the charity, but it is particularly close to Read the Rest...

pennant magazine features horatio’s garden

Pennant is the magazine of the Forces Pension Society and is published bi-annually containing an entertaining mix about life in the Forces, news, opinions and views, member’s feedback and much more.  In their autumn edition, they chose to feature the story of Horatio’s Garden across a generous double-page spread, which details where the charity came from and where it hopes to Read the Rest...

happy halloween from horatio’s garden!

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 Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden in the cardiff times

This November we will be officially launching the capital appeal for Horatio’s Garden Cardiff, but already the Cardiff Times is busy spreading the word to everyone in the city.  The magazine kindly published an article this weekend that introduced our sixth project to the local community, including details of Sarah Price’s designs and a wonderful quote from Professor Charles Janczewski, interim Read the Rest...

give back with amazonsmile, give as you live and ebay for charity

By signing up to any of the following, you’ll be helping us to raise vital funds every time you shop.  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO AMAZONSMILE 1 – Go to the AmazonSmile website by clicking the link above  2 – Type in your email address (either a new email if you are new to Amazon, or the email you Read the Rest...

a day of song in oswestry

Patients, staff and volunteers were all taking part in the RSPB’s ‘Birdsong Takeover’ event on Thursday, which was part of their national Let Nature Sing initiative.  The sweet sounds were played all afternoon throughout the garden room and Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries, helping the RSPB to reach its aim of bringing the music to around five million people’s ears. The Read the Rest...

autumn barbeque in horatio’s garden scotland

Whoever said you couldn’t have a barbeque in October?! The weather was uncommonly kind to Horatio’s Garden Scotland last weekend as patients, families, friends and staff gathered in the garden to celebrate the beginning of autumn in style. A brilliant crowd came together for the afternoon and it was lovely to see so many people catching up and having fun Read the Rest...

artist keith jansz paints in horatio’s garden stoke mandeville

Professional artist Keith Jansz, a world-renowned mouth painter, will be painting in Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville on Thursday 10th October from 12pm – 5pm. Keith feels a connection with this particular garden as he previously spent six months in the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville following a car accident in 1995. When Keith returned home after his time Read the Rest...

touring the williams’ racing museum

Law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp (BBK), who are ranked by the Legal 500 as a Top Tier firm and have over 30 years’ experience in complex injury cases, have been dedicated supporters of Horatio’s Garden for many years. They sponsor all the seasonal events we hold in both our Salisbury and Stoke Mandeville garden, offering patients and their families the Read the Rest...

advent of change support horatio’s garden

To pre-order your Children’s Advent Calendar or ‘World Changer Wall Calendar’, please CLICK HERE. From Monday 7th October, both calendars will be available to purchase online via the Advent of Change Website and John Lewis & Partners. They will also be be stocked in John Lewis stores across the country. * Horatio’s Garden are delighted to announce that they are Read the Rest...

the wheelpower national junior games

WheelPower, the National Charity for Wheelchair Sport are hosting their annual National Junior Games (NJG) 2019 from 30 September – 3 October at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement. The primary focus of the National Junior Games is to encourage the disabled children who take part in the Games to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle, Read the Rest...

bbc gardeners’ world film in stoke mandeville

If you missed the episode, CLICK HERE to watch it on BBC iPlayer. The piece on Horatio’s Garden begins at 24 minutes 50 seconds. We hope you enjoyed watching BBC Gardeners’ World on Friday 27th September 2019! We were delighted to welcome Joe Swift back to Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville, along with the rest of the team from the beloved Read the Rest...

autumn newsletter 2019

Our Autumn Newsletter has arrived! Simply click the link in the top right-hand corner of this page to read all about what’s been happening in Horatio’s Garden over the past few months.

horatio’s garden oswestry in the telegraph

In an incredible double-page spead, Bunny Guinness introduced Horatio’s Garden Oswestry to readers of The Telegraph in style last weekend!  Bunny wrote a wonderful piece that not only describes the thought and time that went into designing the garden, but also how lovely it is to now see the garden being treasured by so many.  She recalls having ‘no doubts’ when Founder and Chair of Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden oswestry is officially open!

Horatio’s Garden Oswestry was officially opened by Sir Algernon Heber-Percy on Sunday 22nd September in the Midland Centre for Spinal Injury (MCSI) at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH).  It was an enormously happy occasion, with patients, staff and visitors alike commenting on the beauty of the garden and what a difference it is making to the lives of Read the Rest...

gold for stoke mandeville in aylesbury in bloom 2019

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the team at Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville have been awarded GOLD in the Aylesbury in Bloom 2019 Communal Gardens category! The award was presented to Head Gardener Jacqui Martin-Lof by the Mayor of Aylesbury, Councillor Mike Smith, at a presentation held in the beautiful gardens of the Lindengate Mental Health Charity in Wendover. Read the Rest...

national garden scheme open days

On Sunday 8th September Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville opened on behalf of the National Garden Scheme for the very first time, which coincidentally fell on the same day as the garden’s first birthday!  With the bunting up, the sun shining and over 250 visitors, including patients and hospital staff, it was the perfect time to celebrate. The team received many wonderful Read the Rest...

a busy week in horatio’s garden oswestry

Aside from BBC Shropshire’s special live broadcast in the garden on Sunday 8th September (which you can read more about by clicking HERE) a lot has been happening in the short time since our garden opened to patients, volunteers and NHS staff. Head Gardener Imogen, with support from staff from the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH), has Read the Rest...

bbc radio shropshire broadcast live from horatio’s garden

On Sunday 8th September we were joined in our brand new garden by Paul Shuttleworth and Margaret Thrower for a very special live broadcast from Horatio’s Garden Oswestry. The team spent three hours hosting their programme from the comfort of our surprisingly sunny garden, with Paul safely nested in one of the secluded bays so that the space could continue Read the Rest...

wiltshire life magazine features horatio’s garden

Horatio’s Garden Salisbury volunteers have been featured in the October edition of Wiltshire Life following their achievement of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.  As many of you will know, the award is the highest honour given to UK volunteer groups and is equivalent to receiving a group MBE. It was announced in June that the group had won the award and a special Read the Rest...

a fantastic day opening for scotland’s garden scheme

On Sunday 1st September we welcomed visitors to Horatio’s Garden Scotland, opening our garden gates in support Scotland’s Garden Scheme.  Remarkably, the sun was shining throughout the afternoon which gave everyone the chance to explore the garden in all its seasonal glory! Our volunteer team have worked incredibly hard in preparation for the event and their efforts certainly paid off. Many Read the Rest...

patricia samanta is our new salisbury artist in residence

Volunteer and fine artist, Patricia Samanta, is returning to Horatio’s Garden Salisbury as our new artist in residence.  Patricia will be in the garden every Tuesday afternoon between 12-3pm from Tuesday 10th September until the end of October. She will be creating her own artwork inspired by the garden and will also be on-hand to offer gentle encouragement to patients pursuing Read the Rest...

bunny guinness on bbc radio shropshire

Bunny Guinness was recently joined in Horatio’s Garden Oswestry by BBC Shropshire’s very own Paul Shuttleworth, who was asking her all about the designs of our latest garden.  Despite bringing gardens to life for more than 40 years, Bunny shared that she’s always surprised by her gardens when exploring them for the first time. She told listeners that after spending years meticulously designing every Read the Rest...

the shropshire star feature horatio’s garden oswestry opening

The Shropshire Star have kindly featured Horatio’s Garden Oswestry once again, celebrating the garden’s opening to patients and their loved ones earlier this month.  The newspaper details various elements of the design, giving readers an insight into just how thoughtful designer Bunny Guinness was when she first imagined the garden back in 2018. It also mentions the wildlife that is already in abundance in Read the Rest...

jacqui martin-lof thanks national garden scheme openers

Jacqui Martin-Lof, Head Gardener in Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville, recently visited the stunning Malverleys Terrace garden in East Hampshire, which hosted an event to celebrate and thank everyone who opens their garden on behalf of the National Garden Scheme in Berkshire.  The Malverleys garden is a particularly beautiful New English Flower Garden, which spans 10 acres within the grounds of a country estate. It Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden oswestry is open!

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 Read the Rest...

an evening at newbury races

Horatio’s Garden were delighted to be invited by Newbury Racecourse to raise awareness of the charity and all that we do to support people facing life-changing injuries.  On Thursday 25th July, Trustee Maggie Cameron, Titus Chapple, Charlotte Crawley and her mother Minty, all attended the races on behalf of the charity and had a truly brilliant evening amongst friends. All Read the Rest...

national garden scheme open days

This September we’ll be opening each Horatio’s Garden in Salisbury, Scotland and Stoke Mandeville in support of the National Garden Scheme.  This is your opportunity to explore these unique, thriving spaces and learn more about how Horatio’s Garden supports people’s physical and mental rehabilitation as they learn to live with life-changing injuries. Both Horatio’s Garden and the National Garden Scheme Read the Rest...

introducing artist in residence, nell nicholas

We’re thrilled to welcome Nell Nicholas to Horatio’s Garden, who will be one of our artists in residence in Salisbury this summer.  She will be in the garden on the following dates:  Friday 19th – 12-5pm  Monday 22nd – 12-5pm    Tuesday 23rd – 12-5pm    Wednesday 24th – 12-5pm   Thursday 25th – 12-5pm  Friday 26th – 12-5pm  As Nell Read the Rest...

pipers corner school support horatio’s garden

Pipers Corner School, which is based near High Wycombe, have been enormously supportive of Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville throughout the past academic year. From hosting a Fabulous Summer Tea Party to performing for patients in the garden, students across all years have been enormously enthusiastic as they embarked on their charitable endeavours.  In the past two weeks alone the pupils have supported the Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden in the warminster journal

Avid Horatio’s Garden supporters Ann and Evelyn recently hosted a tea and coffee morning at the Tynings allotment in Warminster to encourage their community to raise funds for the charity. Their event was subsequently featured in the Warminster Journal, along with an accompanying piece explaining where the charity came from and its future aspirations.  Both Ann and Evelyn visited our Food and Read the Rest...

read the latest from dr olivia chapple in gardeners’ world magazine

As some of you may know, this year Dr Olivia Chapple was invited to be part of a panel contributing to Gardeners’ World Magazine’s ‘Grow Yourself Healthy’ campaign.  Olivia has now contributed to two issues alongside Margaret Kievel and Victoria Theakston, who have both spent time in the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury.  In the magazine’s May Read the Rest...

june’s progress in horatio’s garden oswestry

Head Gardener Imogen Jackson has been incredibly busy in her first month with Horatio’s Garden, not least because progress throughout June at our new Oswestry garden has been rapid!  Gardening and construction have continued to progress at an astonishing rate, with the addition of ten elegant raised beds arriving in the final week of June. These will not only ensure that every Read the Rest...

head gardener stephen hackett’s full article for salisbury life magazine

Our Salisbury Head Gardener, Stephen Hackett, recently wrote a brilliant article for Salisbury Life Magazine which has been featured in their July issue.  The piece, entitled ‘Let It Grow’, features a variety of Salisbury gardeners who all make it their mission to contribute to the local community by creating and nurturing beautiful spaces. Each is also committed to offering a Read the Rest...

martha solloway will be our new artist in residence in salisbury

We would like to welcome Martha Solloway to Horatio’s Garden, who this summer will be our new Artist in Residence in Salisbury.  Martha has been involved with the charity for a while and passionately supports us in any way she can. In the past she has generously donated her work to our 2018 Chelsea Secret Art Sale, and also designed our enormously popular Christmas Read the Rest...

caroline may will be our new artist in residence at stoke mandeville

We are delighted to welcome Caroline May back to Horatio’s Garden, who will this summer be our new Artist in Residence at Stoke Mandeville.  Last year Caroline was our Artist in Residence in Scotland, encouraging patients and visitors to be creative, whilst also creating numerous beautiful works herself. She recently exhibited a collection of her final pieces in Spring 2019, Read the Rest...

welcoming chelsea lowe to horatio’s garden

We would like to warmly welcome Chelsea Lowe to the Horatio’s Garden team, who has this week begun her 12-month placement in our Scotland garden.  Chelsea will be supporting Head Gardener Sallie Sillars in the garden for two days a week, which is part of her commitment to the ‘Work and Retrain as a Gardener Scheme’ (WRAGS) run by the Women’s Read the Rest...

volunteers featured in the salisbury journal

The achievements of the Horatio’s Garden Salisbury volunteer team have been featured this June in the Salisbury Journal.  Following the incredible news that the group had been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the Journal decided to spread the word of their recognition throughout the local community. Many people in Salisbury have supported Horatio’s Garden since the beginning, and Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden oswestry on bbc radio shropshire

On their most recent visit to Horatio’s Garden Oswestry Head Gardener Imogen Jackson, Administration Assistant Brian Kilty, Operations Manager John Grinstead and Marketing Manager Kathryn Furnell were delighted to be joined by Paul Shuttleworth of BBC Radio Shropshire.  Paul was visiting the garden in order to discover more about our latest project, and also chatted with the team to find out about Horatio’s Garden Read the Rest...

cecil’s volunteering story

Today we’re featuring Cecil, who below tells the story of how he came to volunteer at Horatio’s Garden Salisbury. It’s a short, but immensely uplifting tale which we hope you enjoy reading. * “For many years I have been a patient of Mr Chapple’s at Salisbury District. Over the years I have had many spinal surgeries under different consultants. In 2012 I Read the Rest...

even more fabulous summer tea parties

We’ve been overwhelmed by how many of you have been involved in our Fabulous Summer Tea Party Week, despite it being in its infancy! The latest stories have come from Christine Biondini, Olivia Hatrick, Jane Beresford and Ann and Clare Mannall, who threw Tea Parties in various places across the country this week. Having been signed up by her son, Read the Rest...

head gardener imogen jackson welcomed by the shropshire star

Recently appointed Head Gardener for Horatio’s Garden Oswestry, Imogen Jackson, has been warmly welcomed to her new home in Shropshire by the team at the Shropshire Star! The newspaper published an article all about Imogen today, introducing both her and the charity to the local community. The article tells the story of Horatio’s Garden, as well as detailing Imogen’s background Read the Rest...

miranda creswell’s latest artwork for ‘looking out glasgow’

Artist in Residence, Miranda Creswell, has once again been busy for Horatio’s Garden, this year creating a Butterfly Table as part of her ‘Looking Out Glasgow’ project.   Miranda, who works with archaeologists based at Oxford University as part of the EnglaID research group, has long-supported Horatio’s Garden. Her latest creative venture for the charity has taken her to the Oxford Museum of Natural Read the Rest...

lillian’s volunteering story

As part of our continued celebration of Volunteers’ Week we would love to share Lillian’s volunteering story with you.   She currently supports our Scotland Garden, and as you will see below, her experiences in Horatio’s Garden have been both humbling and incredibly rewarding.  *  I have only been at Horatio’s Garden for a matter of a few months in Read the Rest...

our very first fabulous summer tea parties

Yesterday we marked the launch of the Horatio’s Garden Fabulous Summer Tea Party week in style with two delightful afternoon teas; one at Longford Castle, and one at Hamptworth Lodge.  Our patron, the Countess of Radnor, generously offered to host a tea party for over 50 guests at her home and it was the perfect start to our very first national fundraising Read the Rest...

volunteers receive the queen’s award for voluntary service

Volunteers at Horatio’s Garden Salisbury, based in the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre of Salisbury District Hospital, were honoured on 2nd June 2019 with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is equivalent to a group MBE and is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups.  As our Salisbury garden was the first to be opened back in 2012 many Read the Rest...

glasgow city voice choir perform in horatio’s garden

The incredibly talented Glasgow City Voice Choir delighted patients and volunteers on Saturday 18th May with a very special performance the group prepared for Horatio’s Garden. With the weather taking a turn for the worse, the performance had to take place indoors instead of in the garden. However, the show must go on and everyone enjoyed an afternoon spent in Read the Rest...

the duke of buccleuch visits horatio’s garden scotland

On Monday 20th May we were delighted to welcome The Lord High Commissioner, His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch to Horatio’s Garden Scotland. Head Gardener Sallie, Volunteer Co-ordinator Yvonne, and a host of patients and volunteers were making the most of the sunshine in the garden, offering the Duke an authentic Horatio’s Garden experience. The whole team worked incredibly hard Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden at buckingham palace

Trustee Victoria Holton and volunteer Lesley Walford, both of whom have been involved with the charity since the very beginning, were incredibly honoured this week to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace. The event was held by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to recognise the phenomenal achievements of volunteers throughout the UK, including our very own Horatio’s Garden team Read the Rest...

summer newsletter 2019

To celebrate the beginning of our week at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show we are today releasing our brand new Summer 2019 Newsletter! Click the PDF button on this page to read all about the first half of our year at Horatio’s Garden.

welcoming ‘energy’ to horatio’s garden salisbury

Talented sculptor Alexander Macdonald-Buchanan has generously offered to loan his impressive piece ‘Energy’ to Horatio’s Garden Salisbury until October 2019.  Alexander has been interested in ceramics and pottery since his school years, spending many years travelling far and wide to explore the art in greater depth. Having journeyed around potteries in Japan, the Far East and New Zealand he then Read the Rest...

we’re looking for a regional fundraiser in stoke mandeville

Horatio’s Garden is a national charity that aims to improve the lives of everyone affected by spinal injury through creating and nurturing beautiful gardens. We grow thriving communities to support patients, their families and friends facing long stays in NHS hospitals. Horatio’s Garden: Regional Fundraiser Based: Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury The charity is looking to appoint an experienced fundraiser to generate the Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden salisbury on itv meridian news

ITV’s very own Lauren Hall recently visited Horatio’s Garden Salisbury to film as part of the network’s series ‘Blossoming Britain: How Gardening Helps Us To Grow’.  The news item is part of a wider national initiative, RHS National Gardening Week, which this year runs from 30th April to 6th May. We were delighted to see that so much of what was filmed during the Read the Rest...

fundraising dinner at newbury racecourse

Thank you so much to Charlotte Crawley for organising an evening of wonderful floral fun for over 350 guests at Newbury Racecourse on Friday 26th April.  The idea to host an event in support of Horatio’s Garden came to Charlotte following her spinal operations in the summer of 2017. With the support of her mother, Minty Crawley, and a brilliant committee, Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden easter weekend

Over the course of the April Bank Holiday weekend patients and their loved ones enjoyed the glorious sunny weather across the UK in each of our beautiful gardens.  Thankfully the sun stayed shining throughout the four days, so everyone got the chance to partake in a variety of seasonal celebrations!  On Good Friday Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville held their Easter Party which was a phenomenal success. Over 100 guests joined in with the fun Read the Rest...

melanie reid features horatio’s garden in the times

Horatio’s Garden we’re delighted to hear the news that award-winning journalist and charity ambassador Melanie Reid very kindly featured the charity in her most recent article, which was published on Monday 15th April.  After attending our Glasgow Drinks Party at Edrington last week, an event celebrating our loyal supporters, Melanie shared the charity’s vision and mission with her Times readers and offered her Read the Rest...

dr olivia chapple meets her majesty queen elizabeth II

On Tuesday 2nd April Dr Olivia Chapple attended a reception hosted at Windsor Castle by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to mark the centenary of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).  The evening held in the Grand Reception Room was an event which recognised Horatio’s Garden amongst the achievements of the voluntary sector throughout the last century.  Olivia was delighted to meet Her Majesty Read the Rest...

garden therapy in stoke mandeville

Some wonderful stories have been shared with us recently from our Stoke Mandeville garden and art therapy groups, and we thought it would be lovely to offer everyone an insight into the wonderful difference Horatio’s Garden makes to patients on a daily basis.  Four patients, Ted, Emerson, Alfie and Pauline have all been keen gardeners since discovering the space, and with the help Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden at bass 2019

The British Association of Spine Surgeons recently held their BASS 2019 Conference in Brighton and Horatio’s Garden we’re delighted to be welcomed as the conference’s chosen charity.  Between Wednesday and Friday this week co-founder and trustee David Chapple FRCS, Stoke Mandeville volunteer Nikki Blagg and Communications Intern Alex Geaney represented the charity at the conference, which focused on technological advances Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden glasgow on bbc radio scotland

Sallie Sillars, Head Gardener for Horatio’s Garden Glasgow, recently welcomed BBC Radio Scotland reporter John Beattie to the garden to find out more about the charity and the support it offers to patients and their loved ones.  John cycled to the garden to chat with two patients currently staying in the Scottish National Spinal Injuries Unit, as well as Head Read the Rest...

help us by signing up to give as you live and amazonsmile

To sign-up to Give As You Live, please click HERE. To sign-up to AmazonSmile, please click HERE. Thank you so much to all those using Give as you Live to support Horatio’s Garden!  Give as you Live is an entirely free way to raise money for Horatio’s Garden – all you have to do is sign-up, browse the Give as Read the Rest...

toasting an incredible night of fundraising at the wild by tart dinner

Horatio’s Garden is thrilled to announce that the Wild by Tart fundraising dinner, held in London on Wednesday the 27th of March, raised a phenomenal £296,000 for the London Garden capital appeal. The event was attended by 200 of the charity’s supporters and their guests, including Anneka Rice, Tom Stuart-Smith, Joe Swift and Frank Gardner.  Dinner guests enjoyed the most sublime Read the Rest...

THE TIMES – SCOTTISH LEGAL AWARDS SUPPLEMENT

Horatio’s Garden Scotland enjoys the support of Digby Brown Solicitors and we were delighted when they were the winners of two titles at the 2019 Scottish Legal Awards in March. Digby Brown triumphed in Firm of the Year and Community Contribution categories. They were featured in a Scottish Legal Awards Supplement in The Times newspaper, and we were lucky to Read the Rest...

national garden scheme donation announcement

On March 27th the National Garden Scheme excitingly announced at London’s Royal Festival Hall that they are donating £75,000 to Horatio’s Garden London and announced a ten-year commitment to the charity and its projects.  Co-founder and Head of Trustees Dr Olivia Chapple and long-time trustee Victoria Holton were present, along with celebrated garden designer Joe Swift who created the beautiful Horatio’s Garden at Stoke Mandeville.   Read the Rest...

wild by tart auction announcement

We are thrilled to be able to announce the exciting live and silent auction lots on offer as part of our Wild by TART dinner, which is being held on Wednesday the  27th March. The evening will be attended by 230 influential guests who are gathering in the newly-opened TART London at Eccleston Place to raise funds for the capital appeal to build Read the Rest...

head gardener for Horatio’s garden scotland receives certificate from the earl of wessex

Our very own Sallie Sillars, Head Gardener for Horatio’s Garden Scotland, was present at the High School of Glasgow earlier this month when Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex made a special visit to meet pupils and staff involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme. High School of Glasgow pupils have been volunteering at Horatio’s Garden Scotland as part Read the Rest...

february sunshine and progress at oswestry

Last week the unseasonably warm February sunshine cast a beautiful spring glow across the site of Horatio’s Garden Oswestry, which is currently taking shape at the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries.  Throughout the month the construction team have been working incredibly hard, and our fourth project is now really starting to resemble the garden that we have all long-imagined. The serpentine Read the Rest...

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! SUBMIT YOUR WORK FOR THE HORATIO’S GARDEN SECRET ART SALE

We are delighted to announce that we are once again looking forward to holding the Horatio’s Garden Secret Art Sale at our annual Chelsea Drinks Party, after the great success of the inaugural event last year – and we’re on the hunt for artists to help us! The Chelsea Drinks Party will take place at the National Army Museum from Read the Rest...

introducing alex geaney, communications intern at horatio’s garden

We would like to warmly welcome Alex Geaney to the office team here at the Horatio’s Garden. Whilst on her year-long placement as comms intern with us, Alex will be increasingly responsible for the charity’s external communications, which includes updating our website, managing the Horatio’s Garden social media accounts and coordinating our email newsletters and PR campaigns. Below is a Read the Rest...

catch up on the building work at horatio’s garden oswestry

We’re delighted to share the news that the building work at Horatio’s Garden Oswestry is well under way, with the steel frame of the garden room and the outline of planting beds and pathways starting to take shape. The recent wintery weather has proven to be no problem for the dedicated workers on site who have carried on turning the Read the Rest...

the stoke mandeville garden is now being supported by vale lottery

We are delighted to announce that Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville is being generously supported by the Vale Lottery. The Vale Lottery was set up in 2015 by Aylesbury Vale District Council to support community projects in the area, allowing local people to support the causes they care most about.  All you have to do is buy a £1 ticket weekly Read the Rest...

david c. h. austin snr obe vmh, founder of david austin roses ltd, has died peacefully at home

It is with great sadness that the Austin family announces the passing of David C. H. Austin Snr OBE VMH, rosarian and founder of David Austin Roses Ltd. David Snr died peacefully at his home in Shropshire on Tuesday 18th December 2018, surrounded by his family. He was 92.  

progress at oswestry

This week’s progress at Horatio’s Garden Oswestry. 

horatio’s garden runner up at social change awards

On the 11th December 2018, Horatio’s Garden was so grateful to receive the runner up award for The Everyday Impact – Long Term Enterprises at a wonderful event, hosted by the Directory for Social Change Social Change Awards and held at the House of Lords, presented by The Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC. Thank you to everyone who voted and Read the Rest...

how to make a home-grown christmas wreath

Nothing says Christmas more than a beautiful festive wreath adorning a front door – but instead of buying a wreath, have you ever considered making one with materials found in your garden? Expert florist and National Garden Scheme Volunteer, Penny Snell CBE, gives her step-by-step guide on how to make a home-grown and wonderfully wild Christmas wreath.  To make Penny’s Read the Rest...

stoke mandeville christmas tree

Thank you to Tom from Forest and Fir for donating the most beautiful Christmas Tree to Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville.  It has been fabulously decorated by our volunteers and takes pride of place in the Garden Room. 

give as you live

Supporters of Horatio’s Garden can raise free donations simply by shopping online using Give as you Live. Shop at over 4,100 leading online stores including Amazon, eBay, Tesco, John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, Just Eat and Booking.com, to name but a few! Give as you Live is a shopping and price comparison website that donates funds with every purchase to Horatio’s Garden. You can shop for products Read the Rest...

nsic christmas fair

Thank you to the team from Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville for running the stall at the NSIC Christmas Fair.  Thank you to everyone who came and supported us. You can still purchase gifts and stocking filler for Christmas online via our shop HERE. 

first dig at horatio’s garden oswestry

22/11/2018 On the 22nd November we celebrated a brilliant day at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust where the first dig for Horatio’s Garden Oswestry took place. We are so very grateful to the League of Friends to RJAH and their wonderful team of fundraisers across the region who have worked tirelessly to support the Read the Rest...

kathy hinde art installation coming to horatio’s garden salisbury

Kathy Hinde will be showing her work in Horatio’s Garden Salisbury. Kathy’s work grows from a partnership between nature and technology expressed through audio-visual installations and performances that combine sound, sculpture, image and light. She has shown work extensively across Europe, China, Pakistan, USA, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil and New Zealand. The work will be exhibited in the apple archway in Horatio’s Garden. It’s called Read the Rest...

horatio’s garden shortlisted for the everyday impact – long term award

Horatio’s Garden has been shortlisted for the Everyday Impact – Long Term Award for DSC’s 2018 Social Change Awards.  The winner of the award is decided by public vote, so please help us by voting! The closing date is Friday 30th November.  Please find the voting form HERE Please do share this among friends and family too, thank you for Read the Rest...

read the horatio’s garden oswestry press release

thank you cathcart castle ladies

Ladies from Cathcart Castle Golf Club visited Horatio’s Garden Glasgow this week to hand over a cheque for £6550 ! This amazing amount was raised over the last year. Horatio’s Garden was the charity chosen by Lady Captain, Ann Blackwood. She used to visit the Spinal Unit when her brother in law Ewan Rice was a patient there. This was Read the Rest...

meet bianca, one of our trustees

Horatio’s Garden is run by a board of trustees who give their time voluntarily. Their varying talents and experience help us to meet our charitable goals and objectives, whilst keeping the costs of running the charity to a minimum.  Meet Bianca Roden. Bianca trained as a speech and language therapist and worked in various hospitals and schools with both adults and Read the Rest...

sainsbury’s donations

A huge thank you to Sainsbury’s branch in Braehead for supporting our milk, tea, coffee and biscuit supplies for the kitchen pod at Horatio’s Garden Scotland. Tea and cake afternoons will be well supported going forward!  To find out more about the Scotland garden click HERE  

meet the designer

Designer of our hugely popular and fast selling 2018 Christmas cards is Martha Solloway.  Get to know Martha and her inspiration for her art below. “I am an artist and illustrator from Dorset and have studied art at both Kingston and Brighton Universities. I work from a wide range of subjects, which tend to revolve around my interest in people Read the Rest...

crocus planting to support world polio day

Head Gardener Jacqui and volunteers from Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville helped to support World Polio Day on the 24th October at Stoke Mandeville Stadium by joining with Wheel Power and Rotary GB & Ireland to plant 25,000 crocus corms to make the stadium look beautiful in Spring next year! 

salisbury volunteer visit to stoke mandeville

On the 18th October the volunteers from Horatio’s Garden Salisbury went to visit the newest Horatio’s Garden in Stoke Mandeville. 

garden tour at horatio’s garden scotland

Thank you to the group from East Renfrewshire U3A who came for a garden tour on the 25th September.  An amazing £275 was raised throughout the day!  If you are interested in coming for a visit to Horatio’s Garden Scotland please email Sallie (Head Gardener on sallie@horatiosgarden.org.uk        

edinburgh drinks event

Thank you to everyone who attended the Edinburgh evening drinks event in support of Horatio’s Garden Scotland.  It was a wonderful evening with special thanks to James Alexander-Sinclair for his speech. 

horatio’s garden on spire fm

Spire FM featured Horatio’s Garden on their website following the opening of Stoke Mandeville. You can read the report here  

horatio’s garden stoke mandeville is open!

On the 9th September 2018, the third Horatio’s Garden was officially opened by guest of honour Mary Berry. “Of course, a garden is never truly finished; it is an ever evolving story which will develop over the years with patients and our volunteers” – Garden designer Joe Swift. Going forward, Head Gardener Jacqui and her team of amazing volunteers will Read the Rest...

donation from the hospital saturday fund

Huge thanks to the Hospital Saturday Fund who have kindly donated £2,000 towards Horatio’s Garden Oswestry. Their donation will help to bring Horatio’s Garden to all the patients at the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries.  

cornerstone volunteers at horatio’s garden scotland

Many thanks to the Cornerstone volunteers for coming and lending a helping hand in Horatio’s Garden Scotland on 17th August.    

Ben Barrell’s sculptures

Ben Barrell currently has three sculptures that will be exhibited in the garden until October 2018. They consist of ‘Swirl’, ‘Logan’ and ‘Crescent’.  Find out more about Ben’s work and how nature has influenced his sculptures on his website here. 

Horatio’s Garden Stoke Mandeville is near completion

The garden in Stoke Mandeville is nearing completion. The third Horatio’s Garden, this space will serve patients at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire. 

National Garden Scheme Gardens & Health Week

During August 2017, the National Garden Scheme launched their first ever week dedicated to promoting the positive impact gardens can have on health and wellbeing. All of the gardens taking part opened free of charge for a small, private group of people who would not usually get the opportunity to enjoy a garden, or for whom garden visiting is not Read the Rest...

Sweet peas in Scotland

Sweet peas are in full bloom at Horatio’s Garden Scotland. Gorgeous scents are filtering through the air in the garden activity area and everything has taken on a beautiful freshness that only gardens can give. A real sensory for delight for all visitors and regular users of the garden.   

National Garden Scheme Family Friendly Gardens

Open throughout the school holidays the National Garden Scheme have over 100 family-friendly gardens for you and your family to explore and enjoy!  From miniature railways and fairy gardens, to farm animals and treasure trails the National Garden Scheme has gardens open across England and Wales.  Find your perfect day out here. 

Cleve West visits Salisbury

Cleve West came for a visit around the garden in Salisbury this morning, to enjoy a walk around the planting and a catch up with Head Gardener Stephen Hackett. 

The latest from Stoke Mandeville

Pleased to update you all that the tarmac at the top end of the Stoke Mandeville Garden is now finished!  Head Gardener Jacqui and her team are doing a fantastic job keeping all the plants watered and healthy while the building works carry on around them.