This garden was created in the grounds of a Grade 2 listed building in central London. The concept for a therapeutic garden evolved from conversations between the staff, patients and visitors of a long-term geriatric ward. Originally the land surrounding the ward was mainly grass with scattered shrubs and trees, inaccessible to wheelchair users and difficult to appropriate for therapeutic purposes. The hospital community wanted a garden that patients, their family and friends could enjoy, a place for staff to practice therapeutic activities such as gentle gardening and exercise, somewhere to sit in breaks from work and with the potential to host events such as performances. 

The structure was designed to create several semi private spaces where users could meet in small groups, accessible throughout by wheelchair and with bespoke ‘leaning posts’ to allow patients who find rising and sitting difficult to relax outside. A raised herb bed for horticultural therapy, circular seating groups and dense year round planting made the garden both practical and an attractive place to be. Anchor structural plants were selected to compliment the grand Victorian architecture such as Cupressus sempervirens and Chamaerops humilis. Strong colour, scent, movement and year round interest were important to encourage enjoyment throughout the year.