Award-Winning Garden Gifted to Blackpool Mental Health Hospital

In a heartwarming gesture, a stunning garden that won a prestigious award at the 2023 RHS Flower Show in Tatton has found a new home at a mental health hospital in Blackpool. The £30,000 garden, previously known as the 1804 Garden, was designed by Carolyn Hardern and Jon Jarvis and earned a silver medal at the show.

Now, a scaled-down version of the circular garden has been gifted to The Harbour mental health hospital, where it has been renamed the Hope Springs Garden. The tranquil space features a reflection pond, a spherical steel sculpture at the center, and over 500 plants and flowers surrounding the water feature. Four large, curved benches under Acer trees provide a serene setting for patients, their families, and hospital staff to enjoy.

"We're absolutely delighted," said Laura Holt, the director of nursing at the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. "It's a lovely space and very tranquil." The hospital plans to run weekly gardening groups, allowing patients and staff to connect with nature and aid in their rehabilitation.

The addition of the Hope Springs Garden is expected to be "invaluable" for the mental health trust, as they recognize the profound impact that being outdoors and connecting with nature can have on overall wellbeing, from reducing stress to improving mood.