To help lessen the impact of cars, Cleve is using hedging (some beech and some
mixed native) to screen vehicles while allowing higher views to the
surrounding countryside to flood into the garden. After much consideration,
resin-bonded gravel was selected for the paving, being almost runway smooth.
To add more interest, Cleve has included different coloured polka dots of
resin-bonded gravel and one will include a memorial stone dedicated to
Horatio. This, together with an arched walkway clothed with apple trees (a
favourite of Horatio’s), were incorporated by Cleve as he felt that although
the garden was proposed before Horatio’s death, many more donations were
received after the tragedy.
To add personal touches, Cleve is hoping to put stones in the flower beds with
words of inspiration (from the patients themselves) carved into them.
The structure of the garden is defined by three curved dry Cotswold stone
walls about 450mm (18in) high. These represent the spinal column; two are
cut through into two sections by a pathway. The third is entire, symbolising
the work of the unit. Silver birch or amelanchier trees will add structure.
Wide beds, some 6m (20ft) deep or more, are filled with planting. This will
be composed of many grasses: Sesleria autumnalis, Stipa, Panicum and
Miscanthus. Shaggy box balls will add permanent green, and herbaceous plants
and herbs will add colour and aroma. Acanthus, Echinaceae, Sedum, Agastache,
Pervoskia, Foeniculum and Aruncus ‘Horatio’ will be planted among the
grasses to create colourful, dynamic, moving swathes of planting.
Apart from the main garden (which includes an airy Cotswold stone-covered
space for use in less perfect days), Cleve has included a more utilitarian
space with raised beds and a greenhouse so patients can grow plants and
produce and use them in their adapted kitchen.
This project has gained a lot of momentum and since Cleve has come on board,
the garden is developing with a distinct style which no doubt will raise
awareness of the importance of garden spaces for people who are suffering.
Hopefully the success of this project will spark many more like it and
encourage the patients and their families to create a favoured outdoor space
when they return home.
Bunny Guinness is giving a talk on ‘transforming your garden’ on June 22 at
the Organic Garden, with proceeds to Horatio’s Garden. For tickets go to ssit.org.uk
or call 079350 54622
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