What next for our RHS Chelsea Garden?

Every plant, tree, and piece of timber was relocated for staff, volunteers, patients, and their families to enjoy.

Katherine, the garden's designer, took inspiration from Bedfordshire's history in lace production. The designs for the planting borders use some of the organic shapes from the famous Midlands ‘bud’ lace and the paving in the garden is made of York stone.

Katherine said: "I’m absolutely thrilled that the garden is going to have a long-lasting legacy here and provide a safe space for people experiencing grief and those receiving palliative care. Together, I believe we have created a nurturing space, where grief can be met with kindness, understanding and in which people can feel secure about starting conversations around grief."

Jacqui Ackroyd who is Ward Manager at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice said: “The garden and the grounds of our hospice are very special to people and to have the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden now in place just crowns it off.

"When you sit in the new space you feel cocooned, you lose yourself. Staff, patients, and their families have said how tranquil and peaceful it feels to get away from everything going on at that moment and to be able to reflect and share feelings. We are so very privileged to have been gifted the garden.”

Allison Mann, Service Director at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, spoke at the event: “Sue Ryder’s work is grounded in the belief that every person deserves dignity, comfort, and respect in their final days, and the Grief Kind Garden is an extension of that mission. A huge thank you too to the incredible volunteers from across Sue Ryder who gave up their time to help make the project happen.”