The gardens at the Nottinghamshire Hospice have been given a gold-medal makeover thanks to law firm, Shakespeare Martineau and local East Midlands garden designer, Victoria Philpott.
Earlier this month, Chatsworth House was in full bloom thanks to the RHS Flower Show. Amongst the many beautiful displays was Philpott’s long border, ‘The Bess of Hardwick’. Sponsored by the firm, the exhibition border, which contained peonies, poppies, great burnet and herbs, highlighted the parallels between Bess and the strong women of the Midlands today.
To make the most of the stunning plants, Shakespeare Martineau made the decision to donate them to a worthy cause. A total of 140 shrubs, perennials and herbs, as well as a tree, have been used to enhance Nottinghamshire Hospice’s main garden.
Nottinghamshire Hospice is an independent local charity, dedicated to caring for adults with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. Offering vital support to family and carers, the hospice makes sure no one feels alone and is highly regarded within the local community.
Not only has the main garden been given a new lease of life, but a sensory garden has also been created using a variety of fragrant herbs, including purple fennel, rosemary and thyme. This additional garden will serve as a place for the residents to rest and relax.
Alongside Victoria Philpott, green-fingered staff from Shakespeare Martineau helped with the entire planting process. To celebrate the end of the two-day project, all of the residents and volunteers were invited to enjoy the space together at a garden party.
Sarah Walker-Smith, CEO at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Supporting local charities is a central part of our CSR work across the firm and we think that businesses have a responsibility to engage with – and support – their local communities. Nottinghamshire Hospice does incredible work with patients and their loved ones, helping them through what can be a truly difficult time.
“All of our volunteer gardeners did a brilliant job bringing Victoria’s vision to life and it was great to see them get their hands dirty! We hope that this wonderful garden will be a place of comfort for everyone at the hospice, now and into the future.”
Janet Hatton, who leads garden activities at the hospice, said: “It’s a beautiful and fragrant border full of purples, whites and pale yellows. There are poppies, peonies, salvias, and foxgloves plus a dogwood tree interspersed with herbs, thistles and grasses.
“We’re very excited about the plants coming to the hospice and so grateful to Shakespeare Martineau for thinking of us. Our patients will love the new border!”
