Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland, our seventh garden, opened at the heart of the Spinal Cord Injuries Unit (SCIU) in Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast in 2023.
The garden supports patients with spinal injuries from across the entirety of Northern Ireland, as well as people staying in the Amputee Rehabilitation Unit.
Garden designer -
Andy Sturgeon
Garden designer -
Andy Sturgeon
Andy Sturgeon is an acclaimed garden designer who has won a total of nine RHS Gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. His modern designs are a fusion of traditional materials and contemporary styling, that have come to be known for their timeless, architectural qualities, innovative planting and sculptural characteristics.
He says: “It was an enormous privilege to be asked to do this project. As a garden designer, it’s very unusual to get an opportunity to have such a positive and fundamental impact on people’s lives. This garden, I feel, will make a real difference.”
“The garden, and in particular the garden room, has given me a reason to get out of bed. I now get up early in the morning so I can go into the garden and take a paper or a book. It is great escapism, which brightens up my day, lifts my mood and gives me the feel-good factor. It's allowed me to connect with other patients on the ward, socialise and enjoy some live music. It gives me privacy, tranquillity, and a sense of revitalisation.”
— Paul, beneficiary of
Horatio's Garden Northern Ireland
Would you like to support us with our fundraising or volunteer? Email info@horatiosgarden.org.uk or ring 01722 326834
“The patients within the spinal unit are going through so much, as are their families. Having a spinal injury can be so traumatic and patients can spend months in the spinal unit recovering. Having a peaceful and private place to evaluate and destress is a vital component in their rehabilitation.”
— Will, a former patient of the SCIU
Key design features
- First Horatio’s Garden to feature a dedicated boccia court in a social area with parasols and sensory planting.
- Planting to distract from the surrounding buildings and the angular, square geometry of the existing space. Grasses become animated in the faintest breeze and whether plants, water, furniture or walls, everything near the paths is tactile.
- A beautiful water feature for tranquillity.
- A warm garden room with timber cladding and a green roof and garden pods will offer shelter, privacy and socialising spaces with a large greenhouse for garden therapy and growing.
- Star plants include the tactile paperbark maple and Seven-sons trees, fragrant planting including Daphne and box leaf Azara and elegant Japanese quince, toad lily and Chinese silver grass.
Garden team
Head Gardener Matthew Lee spent 18 years working for the NHS before moving to working professionally in horticulture. He completed a course at Greenmount College and previously worked as Lead Horticulturalist for Carrickfergus Urban Farm and Garden Centre. He became Head Gardener of Horatio's Garden Northern Ireland in August 2023.
Matthew is supported by part time Garden Administrator Ann Hunter and an amazing team of volunteers.
“Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland will improve lives for people across the whole of the country who have experienced life-changing spinal injuries.”
- The Earl of Antrim
Garden Ambassador
Garden Ambassador
“When I was asked to come down to have a look at Horatio’s Garden London & South East, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. But coming here and seeing it, the garden is far beyond what I imagined it would be like. It’s a really, really incredible space and I can only imagine what this will do for inpatients, outpatients and staff members at the spinal centre at Musgrave Park Hospital.”
“Horatio’s Garden would have made my time in rehab tenfold better. It’s an exceptional space and I think everyone is thrilled to have Horatio’s Garden in Northern Ireland.”
— David Ross, Team GB Wheelchair Rugby Player & Garden Ambassador for Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland
Garden Patrons
Before: The Spinal Cord Injuries Unit at Musgrave Park Hospital
Now: Horatio’s Garden at The Spinal Cord Injury Unit at Musgrave Park Hospital
Find us
Horatio's Garden Northern Ireland
The Spinal Cord Injuries Unit
Musgrave Park Hospital
Stockman Lane
Belfast
BT9 7JB
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