Helen & Douglas House Garden

Garden designer and Greenfingers Charity Patron, Ann-Marie Powell, officially launched the new Greenfingers Kaleidoscope Garden at Helen & Douglas House in Oxford on Thursday 11th May 2017 in front of hospice staff and patients,Greenfingers Charity supporters and a special party of children from Beachborough Prep School, near Brackley, Northants, who helped to raise the funds to create this exciting outdoor space.

The all-encompassing space has been designed specifically so that hospice patients in beds and wheelchairs can have all year round sheltered access to nature.  

Speaking to hospice patients and families, Ann-Marie said at the opening. “I am delighted to have been involved in this project right from the outset and it’s great to see that the marriage between a Kaleidoscope of colour and a miniature Crystal Palace has produced such a dazzling structure that is great fun for everyone. I know only too well the real difference outdoor spaces mean to families who are facing a difficult hospice journey and so I’m thrilled to be here to open this garden today.” 

“So, thank you to everyone involved, particularly to the garden designer Nicola Wakefield, Infinite Playgrounds and to GreenArt Garden Design and Landscaping for helping to bring this very precious gift of a garden to Helen & Douglas House. I know the teams at Greenfingers Charity and Helen & Douglas House are very grateful to all of you for your contribution that now graces this wonderful hospice.”  

Kathy Patching, House Manager at Helen House said that she was delighted to accept the garden on behalf of all the children and hospice visitors and staff who use the garden. She said, “Every garden is a tranquil place that provides an inner peace for all visitors, but this Kaleidoscope Garden is something else. We have found that everyone wants to make repeat visits because they get colourful stimulation and enjoyment whatever the weather. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face.”