Greenfingers Charity opens two new therapeutic gardens at Children’s Hospices
The Greenfingers Charity has officially opened two new magical gardens this September, bringing its total to 68–70 therapeutic spaces for children’s hospices across the UK. The Kitchen Garden at Chestnut Tree House Hospice in Arundel opened on 24 September 2025, while the Gathering Heart Garden at Hope House Children’s Hospice in Oswestry will officially open on 30 September 2025.
The Chestnut Tree House Kitchen Garden, designed by Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer and built by Baylis Landscapes, combines ornamental planting, growing beds, and pollinator-friendly features. It encourages hands-on engagement with nature, supporting sustainability, education, and wellbeing. Children can explore the journey from “garden to plate,” while produce will also be used in the hospice kitchen, and the “Dads Club” is invited to help tend the garden.
The Gathering Heart Garden at Hope House, created by CW Studio and Landstruction, focuses on movement, sensory engagement, and inclusive play. Shaded seating and quiet spaces provide children, families, and staff with moments of reflection, learning, and enjoyment that evolve beautifully with the seasons.
Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chairman of Greenfingers, reflected: “Both gardens are magical spaces that will provide joy, connection, and comfort for children, siblings, parents, and carers. These projects show what can be achieved when compassion, creativity, and generosity come together.”
Hospice representatives praised the new gardens. Stuart Palma, CEO of Southern Hospice Group, highlighted the Kitchen Garden’s role in sustainability and community engagement, while Andy Goldsmith, CEO of Hope House, described the Gathering Heart Garden as “a sanctuary of play, laughter, and peace where families can create lasting memories.” Sarah Daniels, Activity Lead at Hope House, added: “The garden encourages meaningful play and helps children learn, explore, and enjoy their surroundings—it will be a vital part of their experience.”
Greenfingers extended thanks to all supporters who made the gardens possible, including Roger Head, the Chapman Trust, The Hedley Foundation, Alexander Rose Ltd, Arbour Landscapes, Greenwood Plants, Rolawn, Veg Trug, LOFA, NPT Transatlantic, Abel Sim, Creative Health, the National Lottery, and The Bernard Sunley Trust, as well as designers, landscapers, volunteers, and wider supporters.
For more information on Greenfingers Charity, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk or email linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk. Follow updates on Instagram and LinkedIn @Greenfingerscharity, Facebook at Greenfingerscharity, and Twitter @GreenfingersCha.