Horatio’s Garden Midlands opened in 2019 at the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries in the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. It serves a wide catchment across North Wales, Mid-Wales, South Mersey, Cheshire and the West Midlands.
Watch our tour of Horatio’s Garden Midlands featuring an interview with garden designer Bunny Guinness
Garden designer -
Bunny Guinness
Bunny Guinness is a landscape and garden designer and six-time RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner, with more than 30 years’ experience.
She is a well-known writer and broadcaster. A panellist on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time since 1998, she also writes a weekly gardening column in the Sunday Telegraph and regularly contributes to other publications.
She says “The garden provides all the benefits of a beautiful outside space to people who really appreciate them and offer people a softer, more personable space away from the ward. I am privileged to be involved in this exciting project.”
Watch our tour of Horatio’s Garden Midlands featuring an interview with garden designer Bunny Guinness
Key design features
- Wrap-around views from the ward, offering colourful views of nature with flowers such as Rosa ‘Olivia’, Verbena bonariensis, Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ and Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Firetail'.
- A stunning magnolia tree, planted in recognition the hospital’s namesake, orthopaedic nurse Dame Agnes Hunt, who pioneered the benefits of nature for health and recovery.
- Glasshouse and garden therapy areas featuring raised beds and planters for patients to grow their own plants, flowers and vegetables.
- An open social space as well as sheltered areas plus a wheelchair skills area, children’s play area and serpentine rill.
- A garden room designed by Andrew Wells of 3W Architecture, featuring a ceiling painted by artist Martin Rodgers.
“To see our patients enjoy this garden is the most rewarding sight. It really is heaven.”
“The garden is invaluable. It has been a saviour to me in times of need and emotional moments. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve bathed in sunshine and made many new friends, many of whom I’ll keep forever!”
Garden team
Head Gardener Alex Law is an RHS Wisley-trained horticulturist with a passion for plants, people, and the planet. He has worked in several UK gardens, most recently as Head Gardener of Wollerton Old Hall in North Shropshire.
Alex is supported by part-time Garden Administrator Sharon Davies-Culham, Arts Activities Assistant Lauren Crane, and WFGA WRAGS trainee Jenny James, along with a team of volunteers.
Thank you to our partners
Regional Partners:
Horatio’s Garden costs £100,000 to maintain per year.
Please consider donating to this garden to help us nurture lives for years to come.
Before: The Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries in The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital
Now: Horatio’s Garden Midlands at The Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries in The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital
Find us
Horatio’s Garden Midlands - Oswestry
The Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital
Gobowen
Oswestry
SY10 7AG
Keep in touch
Sign-up to hear the latest news and activities from Horatio’s Garden
By completing this form, you confirm that you are aged 18 years or over and that you are happy to receive emails from Horatio’s Garden in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We will never share your details with anyone else without your express permission.