It is well documented that being outside in a garden has a plethora of both mental and physical health benefits, from lowering blood pressure to focusing the mind. One of the best ways to remove oneself from the stresses of life is to get outside and into nature, making the beauty of a garden particularly beneficial for those in hospitals and hospices. Being outside gives a sense of freedom, making the open air a place in which people are more likely to open up and release feelings through conversation. Giving patients, staff and visitors the opportunity to nurture plants or just sit and really look at the magic around them - the colours and scents, sunlight catching on leaves, bees foraging in the blooms - allows them to appreciate the moment and take a break from physical and emotional pain. Today's doctors, through social prescribing, may suggest gardening to patients to help them cope with their illnesses, while garden projects in hospices are flourishing across the country.
Here in Kent, Tonbridge GP Richard Claxton, who uses his medical knowledge to design gardens for those with chronic conditions, has been involved since the outset with the redevelopment of the garden at the Hospice in the Weald in Pembury. From providing the concept plans, which were then realised by architect Malcolm Cassam, to commissioning uplifting sculptures and working with lead volunteer gardener, Carole Marks, Richard has immersed himself in the project. ‘I’ve long had a warm place in my heart for the extraordinary work that Hospice in the Weald does. As a local GP and garden designer I was thrilled to be asked to help with the gardens. So many of my patients have either been looked after, or visited loved ones there, and I’ve seen at first hand how important the gardens there are for everyone’s wellbeing. It’s been a privilege to contribute to the project and help create a beautiful and accessible space for the patients, their families and friends, as well as the staff and volunteers to benefit from. A hospice garden serves so many purposes for so many of us; wherever we are on life’s journey. It can help us through difficult times by connecting us with nature and providing a beautiful space. This is so valuable – whether we are nurturing it, healing in it, remembering in it, or simply being in it,’ he comments.
The Hospice, which was founded in 1980, is set in 2.5 acres of landscaped grounds, and focuses on what matters most to patients and their loved ones: helping people live as well as they can, however long that may be, through personalised care meeting physical, emotional and spiritual needs. As part of the hospice’s ‘living well’ service, the layout and new features augment the existing gardens and it was important that they continue to be readily accessible. Water features add soothing sound and visual interest, wildlife abounds and the addition of a Victorian-style greenhouse provides patients and loved ones with a sheltered spot for year-round horticultural activities. Potting shelves are at the height of a wheelchair, new seating has been placed outside, and the planters are raised, so everyone can get the benefits of gardening. ‘Being outside surrounded by nature reminds us all about regeneration and the cycle of life, so it can be particularly meaningful for people facing terminal illness to have the chance to reconnect with nature. It’s great to be able to offer people the chance to get their hands in the earth and feel a part of nature. Some may no longer be able to access their own gardens, so it means so much to them to be able to get outside. The garden also brings much joy for those on the Ward, who can enjoy the beauty and fragrances through open doors and windows from the comfort of their bedrooms,’ explains Steph Hall, Head of Living Well.
Susie Lowden, Therapies Manager, took a course in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture, run by Thrive, the gardening for health charity. She adds, 'as part of my role I see a lot of people in their own homes, and their gardens are often a talking point. Sadly, one of the first things people living with a terminal illness give up is tending to their garden, as it can be strenuous. However, I could see that gardens bring a lot of joy so wanted to see how we could support that at the Hospice.’ As well as weekly gardening activities outside, such as planting seeds or tending to flowers, a seed tray and soil can also be taken to a patient on the ward so they can get involved from the comfort of their room, and foliage and flowers are brought in for displays on the ward. Planting through the garden is cheerful and includes new trees, such as sorbus, fragrant witch hazels and daphne, thyme, Echinacea, roses, lavender and wafting ornamental grasses catching in the slightest breeze. Bright colours from pelargoniums spilling out of hanging baskets and collections of pots greet visitors; there are also mixed borders, terraced areas, a fragrant rose garden, and a contemplative labyrinth, laid on hard standing so it can be used by those with mobility issues to focus through walking and symbolism. The gardens are also a special place for families and friends to process grief and celebrate the life of a loved one, informally and also with activities, such as remembrance ribbons.
‘At the Hospice, we use the Lantern Model of care [which centres on the person behind the illness and focuses on their interests], to find the ‘person within the patient’ and look at what is important to them, so when I hear about people who are interested in gardening, I speak to them about what we might be able to offer. There are so many benefits: physical, social and emotional. People living with the symptoms of terminal illness may lose their confidence and feel overwhelmed by the thought of ‘gardening’. They may no longer be able to mow the lawn, but we look at what they can do. Having a safe, supported and accessible environment plays a key part in this. Potting a plant or seeds can give a sense of purpose and achievement. There’s the sensory aspect too, being able to touch the ‘lamb’s ears’ plants and enjoy the scent of flowers. It can bring a lot of joy,’ comments Susie.
The Hospice relies on an army of volunteers to support many aspects of its work. Carole Marks, a keen gardener since childhood and trained school counsellor, has been volunteering at the Hospice for 16 years and leads a dedicated team of 16 volunteers to keep the gardens looking beautiful year-round. ‘It’s important to say that we are not a show garden; we deliberately maintain this as a home-from-home garden. We feature plants that people have in their own gardens and maintain a lawned area to provide that home-from-home feel. We all have our own reasons for volunteering and are very much a friendship group. I think it is therapeutic for all of us. Being outside and working with the soil is therapeutic itself, and it’s even better when you volunteer in a place where life and death happens. We all think it’s a privilege to be gardening here. Between us we have clocked up 135 years of volunteering. Our youngest volunteer is 49 and the oldest is 84. Some people like working on their own, others enjoy working as a team. I call it the ‘outdoor therapy room’. Patients and their visitors can come out of the bubble where emotions can run high and take a breath of fresh air and take stock. There are focal points to sit quietly: you can be alone or with somebody,’ comments Carole. In 2023 the garden won Gold and Overall Winner in the Businesses with Grounds category of the Tunbridge Wells in Bloom competition. ‘We were delighted with the award, I felt it was a real accolade for my team who meet on a Monday morning, for all the hard work they put in to keep the garden looking as good as possible for the patients, their visitors and staff,’ says Carole. Among its many fundraising activities (and as detailed in the April 2024 issue of Kent Life magazine), the Hospice runs an Open Gardens scheme from April until September where private gardens across Kent and East Sussex open their gates to the public to raise funds, and as well the Hospice is opening its gates on Saturday, 8th June in conjunction with the National Garden Scheme; a lovely opportunity to appreciate the therapeutic beauty of the space and give support.
hospiceintheweald.org.uk
Home therapy
• Create your own little corner as a haven from the stresses of life
• Fill a space or containers with your favourite flowers
• Saturated colours boost energy, and are more relaxing
• Scent is important, not only to enjoy at the moment, but it can also transport you to the past if there are scents that remind you of specific things - sweet peas of blooms that grew in a relative's garden, for instance. Otherwise, think calming jasmine, stimulating Eucalyptus or calming lavender.
