Designed by Hannah Genders and featuring works by Matthew Lane Sanderson The Journey Garden, takes visitors through a landscape inspired by St Michael’s Hospice. The plants and sculptures represent personal stories of life, love and loss. Within the garden is the Angel Tree, a large sculpture created by Matthew Lane Sanderson, which represents St Michaels Hospice as a place where people can find sanctuary during difficult times.
Hannah Genders said, “This garden has more of my heart and soul than any other, it is defiantly the best I have ever done. It started when I did some’den building’ workshops with children at the Hospice. They wanted to create a sanctuary space where they could feel safe. Like the Hospice the garden is filled with life and colour and is a therapeutic place to be.”
The Journey Garden was opened by Elizabeth Banks DL, a former president of the RHS. Elizabeth said, ‘It’s a great privilege to have the opportunity to promote this wonderful new garden that is going to be part of the new Hospice development. The garden is simple, peaceful and calm, and I think people will love to sit under the beautiful ‘Angle Tree’ sculpture and enjoy the detail of the garden.
Nicky West, St Michal’s Hospice CEO said, ‘The sculpture represents the Hospice with it’s deep roots in the community. When sitting underneath I hope people will feel embraced and cared for.’
Some of the plants from the garden will be on sale at Hellens Garden Festival on the 6th and 7th June. Hannah Genders will also be giving a talk at the festival about the creation of The Journey Garden.
This summer St Michael’s Hospice is also giving supporters the chance to visit and explore 28 of the region’s most delightful gardens with a season of Open Gardens. Gardens featured include the splendour of Newport House, Grendon Court, Brockhampton Cottage and Sir Roy Stong’s The Laskett Gardens. Communities have also come together to create events in the villages of Hardwicke, Llangarron, Welsh Newton, Weston-under-Penyard and Kingsland.
For more information call the Community Fundraising Team on 01432 851000
