TV gardener Adam Frost opens new Courtyard Garden

Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost has transformed a Luton hospice’s drab concrete yard into a colourful garden paradise for seriously ill adults and children.

The Courtyard Garden, which is a joint project between Keech Hospice Care and Greenfingers Charity, has been officially opened by the landscape designer today and he said he can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction.

“I hope it surprises people to start with and then puts a smile on their faces. It’s a space people can use in many different ways,” said Adam.

Until now the garden at Keech Hospice Care, which supports adults from Luton and Bedfordshire, and children from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes, has remained relatively unchanged since the hospice opened twenty-six years ago.

Adam said he designed the new garden to be a vision of bright colours, with a water feature at its centre and chose bold circular patterns to take visitors on a journey.

“I didn’t want to be too clever, but it’s not just any place we are creating. It’s a space that mums and dads and their kids will use and where patients can look out to when they’re being cared for and having their complementary therapy.

“I’ve tried to bring the wildlife and the garden inside the hospice and give patients here at Keech Hospice Care a place that is calm and reflective,” said Adam.

Liz Searle, Chief Executive Officer at Keech Hospice Care, said the new garden will give patients and their families a space to relax at a time in their lives when it matters the most.

“It’s the perfect place to just sit and be still. It provides a beautiful space for the opportunity of reflecting, relaxing and escapism not only for patients but also our excellent care team and volunteers. At a time when a person needs peace and quiet or when families want to sit, laugh and make memories – Adam’s garden will be there.

“We all love the bright colours of the garden as we are a hospice full of life! It’s a real oasis, it’s magical. We’ll be showing it off to the public at KeechFest on Sunday, 10 September 2017 as we invite everyone to join us for an afternoon of live music here at Keech Hospice Care.”

The garden was designed by Adam Frost and Homebase Academy students working with landscapers Bespoke Outdoor Spaces.

Keech Hospice Care, which relies on the community for 70 per cent of the £5.6million it needs every year to survive, applied to Greenfingers Charity for the garden back in 2015 and was awarded funding raised by Homebase through the 5p carrier bag tax.

The Courtyard Garden will be open to the public to view at KeechFest on Sunday, 10 September 2017. Tickets are limited for the event which also features an afternoon of live music and can be brought here or by calling 01582 707940.