Judges have been casting their expert eye over the gardens at East Cheshire Hospice for the Britain in Bloom awards.
The Hospice is hoping to win the hospice category at the RHS regional awards with the results announced next month.
Gardening enthusiasts have been hard at work creating a floral wonderland for patients and visitors after businesses answered a plea for help.
Volunteers from corporate supporters Leap 29 and Barclays helped dig and prepare the grounds before planting took place.
Michelle Walker-Brown from the Hospice with Ryan Simpson (left) from Viridis Plants and David Hadley from Creative Gardens and Driveways
Bramhall-based Creative Gardens and Driveways, owned by David Hadley, organised a £1,000 plant donation from supplier Viridis Plants for the makeover.
David ensured expert horticultural advice was given. He said: “When I heard the appeal, I knew immediately that we had to help.
“Plants play such an uplifting role in our lives and it was clear the hospice recognised the comfort that spending time among nature brings patients and their families.
“It was an honour to help a local organisation in need.”
Volunteer Hospice gardeners played a key role in activities overseen by Michelle Walker-Brown, the charity’s general services manager.
Michelle said: “It has been a real team effort and we’re so grateful for all the help. Having peaceful and beautiful plants in the Hospice grounds makes a genuine difference to families.
Flower power…another donation arrives at East Cheshire Hospice.
“The community spirit is amazing, showing once more just how much the public and business care about our patients.”
Judges toured the revamped Hospice grounds, which include a sensory garden, vegetable and herb patch and a memory garden.
The Hospice’s green credentials have already earned a business award with sustainability at the heart of each outdoor area. For example …
* Water butts reduce reliance on mains supplies.
* Empty laundry liquid tubs were cleaned to grow strawberries and salad vegetables for patient menus.
* Baked bean and plum tomato tins gave new life to house plants.
* Old tyres from Hospice @Home cars were turned into planters, along with wooden pallets.
Wildflowers planted around the hospice grounds attract bees and butterflies.
Daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinth and snowdrop bulbs bloom each year around the grounds and in pots. Small Christmas trees replanted in a nursery area will be re-potted in internal gardens outside patient rooms and wards.
The Hospice was part of the gold award won by Macclesfield at the 2022 awards and is going for more glory after learning there is a hospice category this year.
Back to all newsThank you so much for choosing to support East Cheshire Hospice. You may never know how much your gift means, but we know that it will make the world of difference to our patients and their families.
