Greenfingers Charity has announced that the Reflective Garden at Haven House Children’s Hospice in Essex is now officially open.
The opening was officiated by award-winning RHS garden designer Tom Hoblyn – designer of the Reflective Garden – alongside parents Aasam and Mariam Ali.
Aasam and Mariam were part of initial conversations with Tom regarding the plans for the space as their late child Aiza was cared for by Haven House. Aiza was diagnosed with a rare metabolic condition, and started using Haven House when she was a year old and continued to use the services provided for over 14 years. The couple’s long-term involvement in this project made their role as ribbon cutters even more poignant.
Joining in on the day were also SBM Life Science, who has recently confirmed a new partnership with Greenfingers Charity, plus Adam Taylor from Taylors Bulbs, Toolbank, Bridgman and a host of Haven House staff and volunteers as well as Greenfingers staff, Trustees and supporters. During the day they heard from Haven House’s CEO, Siân Wicks, as well as Greenfingers Chairman, Sue Allen.
Once an unused woodland at the rear of the hospice, the new 300m2 space now includes a series of boardwalk-style pathways which lead to secluded and private refuges for children, families, and staff to spend quiet time together. The garden is a haven for wildlife, and the planting is such that each season of the year there will be something new for visitors to enjoy.
The Garden of Reflection was only made possible thanks to the passion and generosity of all those involved, including Clarins UK, The Postcode Lottery, Evergreen Garden Care, Taylors Bulbs, Toolbank, Bridgman, AMES UK, Scotscape Landscaping, Smart Garden, The Solar Centre as well as many others who together donated funds, bulbs, garden equipment, benches, compost, lighting and their own time to help the scheme reach completion.
