Hawkhurst Community Hospital League of Friends
Garden At The Hospital
The garden was built in 2012 when Karen Neary (head of occupational therapy) had the initial idea with the aim to enable patients to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and enjoy the view which had been hidden by a tall hedge.
Carole Streeter
I have been a volunteer at the hospital for 16 years and started as part of a volunteer team in the occupational therapy unit where we helped with a variety of craft projects, exercises and indoor gardening along with taking round the mobile shop and tea trolley.
The Hawkhurst Community Hospital League of Friends were very supportive as were the donors and the Benenden garden staff who donated plants.
It was named ‘Karen’s Garden’ as seen on the plaque on the raised bed. Karen and her team’s enthusiasm and support was inspirational and the volunteers continued to plant and maintain the garden and various hospital courtyards.
Since the garden was built it has developed and flourished and undergone many changes. The main principle has always been to try and keep colour, scent and interest going all year round but now with an eye to semi- low maintenance!
Some patients cannot get outside, but I try to keep the pots in the central courtyards blooming so they can be enjoyed through the windows.
The garden offers somewhere for staff, patients and visitors to relax and take in the beautiful view across the fields to Bedgebury forest.
Gardens give great joy and more volunteers are needed at times to suit them and they will always be very welcome, it’s a peaceful environment and new ideas for planting as well as practical help (can be just calling in to water or far more) are all invaluable.
We have a What’s App group to keep everyone in touch if they like.
The most recent garden development has been led by Sarah, head chef at the hospital, with garden grown fruit and vegetables for patients’ meals so delivering the highest quality and fresh produce to the patients.
Visitors, staff and patients are more than welcome to join in planting, harvesting or just sitting in the garden. This project aims to increase biodiversity, the re-use and repurposing of items and encourage sensory stimulation, the garden is open to all who enjoy being outdoors and appreciating nature.
Carole Streeter
November 2024
If you wish to volunteer in the garden you will need the NHS to undertake the checks and some reading and a small test its something that all volunteers undertake.
Go to Volunteer recruitment process | Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
