We’re excited to announce that work has begun on our brand new project, Horatio’s Garden Wales!
Those of you following the project will know that our sixth stunning sanctuary will be situated at the brand new University Hospital Llandough, home to the Welsh Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre.
The designs have been continually developed since 2019 by award-winning garden designer, Sarah Price, in collaboration with 6a architects. Both are passionate about the project and Sarah has been involved every step of the way, with a visit to New Wood Trees back in early December being a recent highlight.
Now that the enabling works have started, everyone has become even more enchanted with Sarah’s beautiful, accessible, naturalistic designs and we are very much looking forward to seeing them being brought to life. Having been inspired by various elements of the Welsh landscape too, the garden will truly be something very special.
Similarly, it’s been absolutely incredible to see your response to the capital appeal, particularly in light of the past year being enormously difficult for everyone and as we were unable to hold any of the fundraising events we usually love to host. Your immense generosity has ensured that we could meet our appeal target, as well as begin work as planned, and we feel privileged to be so wonderfully supported by a great many donors and fundraisers. From becoming Horatio’s Heroes, to taking on incredible challenges, to generously donating and raising as much awareness of the project as possible, you have made Horatio’s Garden Wales possible.
Moreover, it’s also been lovely to see the response of various members of NHS staff working in the spinal centre, who have frequently shared that they cannot wait for the garden to open later this year. As well as being a place for staff to explore with patients and spend time in as they support people’s rehabilitation, it will also be there for them to take time away from the pressures of working on the ward.
Seeing so much energy and enthusiasm buzzing around the project already has been delightful and we appreciate receiving such a warm welcome from the clinical team, as well as from the hospital as a whole. The project has been in collaboration with the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board from the beginning, with the cost of the ground and enabling works kindly covered by Cardiff & Vale Health Charity.
The new centre will provide both specialist spinal and neuro-rehabilitation services for patients, therefore at the request of the hospital, the designs and budget for the garden include an area for patients from the neurological rehabilitation ward. There will be no access between the two gardens due to the very different user needs of patients, thus the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board have pledged to pay the proportion of capital costs required for the neurological garden and for the ongoing running costs.
As work progresses we will of course continually update you with all the latest stories from Horatio’s Garden Wales and we hope you enjoy following this unique garden’s journey throughout the coming months.
