Helen House: Silver Anniversary Garden - Oxford

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Our second visit to Helen House in Oxford could not have been for a better occasion. The first UK children's hospice was celebrating its 25th anniversary, and wanted to vastly improve their small garden to reflect the full extent of the support they give to children and families. Experienced children's garden designer, Clare Matthews, was brought in to tackle the wealth of obstacles that presented themselves. But the result is a truly amazing children's hospice garden!

 

Incorporating the large tree already in the garden, Clare designed a bespoke tree-house, with seating, windows and special bird-watching slats to ensure that the majestic tree still had pride of place. Most importantly though, with a gentle ramp providing access for all, the tree-house has served as a craft centre, a scary Hallowe'en cave and even a sparkling winter grotto for Santa and his reindeer!

 

Also part of the garden is the wheelchair roundabout, able to cater for able-bodied and disabled siblings alike and allowing familes to continue to play together. Careful sensory planting, including herbs and fruit trees added to the possible delights for children.

 

For a more hands-on approach, the sensory garden was designed with a clever interactive perspex rill infront of shiny stainless-steel fish which added an extra dimension to the raised planting beds, to encourage young vegetable gardeners, or simply allow a sand-pit at wheelchair height.

 

The improvements to the garden incorporated the previous garden given to Helen House a number of years before.

 

With the needs of the children well-catered for, a stunning gazing ball served as the centre-piece for the Reflective Garden tucked to one side. With seating, trellis and gentle bamboo grass, space and time can be given to parents, families and staff needing a moment.

 

This delightful (and expensive!) garden was opened by Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall on 28th June 2007.

 

Chief Executive, Tom Hill, said: "The new garden is very special and will bring joy to countless children and their families for many years to come... such a totally child-focussed and child-centred environment."

 

 

Address:

 

14a Magdalen Road, Oxford, OX4 1RW

 

28/06/2007

Garden Completed