Springhill Hospice garden open day

Springhill Hospice, Head Gardener Nick Dent

Springhill Hospice head gardener Nick Dent, apprentice gardener Harry Grantham and a team of volunteers are busy preparing the grounds for Springhill's annual open garden day.

Sunday 9 August will see green fingered enthusiasts visiting the gardens, to tour the 'Northwest In Bloom' Gold Award winning grounds, get hints and tips from Nick and his team whilst supporting the Hospice.

Nick said: "Our gardens are a beautiful, peaceful haven, away from all the hustle and bustle. We pride ourselves in their upkeep and development. The pleasure it brings to patients and their families, all year round, is immeasurable."

"This year will be even more special as we'll be able to really show the public the work we have been doing in our new vegetable garden. A lot of work has gone into making the vegetable garden accessible to as many people as possible, with large raised planters at various heights on a firm, level access, enabling patients in wheelchairs to lend a hand. Gardening is another form of therapy for our patients.

"Volunteers and patients alike are able to get involved with growing the food we serve in our kitchens, it's a wonderful facility to be able to offer.

"We've even got a poly-tunnel which will enable us to extend the time period we can grow food, for instance growing salad in the winter. Fruit and vegetables from the ground straight to the plate, you can't get fresher than that."

There will be an opportunity to buy garden produce, fruit and vegetables, along with plants, jams and chutneys, Springhill crafts and merchandise, watch a floral demonstration by The Flower & The Glory at 1pm and get a few tips on how to make the perfect hanging basket at 2pm when staff from Newbank Garden Centre take the stage. Homemade cakes, tea and coffee will add to what promises to be a bloomin' marvellous afternoon.

The hospice's grounds will be open 11 am until 3pm £3.00 on Sunday 9 August 2015.

For more information contact Elaine McConnell, Regular Giving Co-ordinator

elaine.mcconnell@nhs.net

01706 641790