A sensory garden which won an award at this year’s RHS Tatton Flower Show has been given a second chance to bloom.
As dozens of stunning gardens and displays were being cleared up following the popular event, the 7 x 2m garden brimming with 370 plants was being carefully dismantled in readiness for a new lease of life in Chester.
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and the hard work of a small army of volunteers, the beautiful garden has been meticulously recreated and rebuilt over four days at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd at Backford.
Silver-gilt medal winning garden
‘Staying in touch with the garden’ was a silver Gilt medal-winner at RHS Tatton. It was designed by Sarah Marsh, Shereen Din and Imogen Reeves who studied Landscape Architecture at Gloucester University.
Their efforts attracted sponsorship from Barclays Bank, The Lyjon Group, Branch Legal, St David’s College and Tours Around Chester. Many of the plants were generously provided by Wyvale Nurseries and the support from local craftsman Ben Benson was invaluable.
Sarah, 23, from Bulkeley is the daughter of Aaron & Partners’ finance director Steve Marsh. The Chester-based law firm has selected the hospice as its nominated main charity partner and came up with the idea of gifting the entire garden to them.
All the elements of the garden were transported to Backford and carefully rebuilt under Sarah’s personal direction, supported by the extensive plant expertise of Rob Duncan, head gardener at Bulkeley Hall and the hard work of volunteers from Aaron & Partners.
Commitment and effort
“It’s taken a great deal of commitment and effort to move and recreate this fabulous garden here at the hospice,” said director of income generation, Caroline Siddall.
“It will be a fantastic asset: a peaceful and relaxing space with seating where families can spend quality time together, and people can relax and reflect. It will be valued and enjoyed by patients, families, staff and volunteers for years to come,” she added.
Four decades in business
The law firm Aaron & Partners, which is celebrating 40 years of business this year, employs more than 120 staff from its headquarters in Chester city centre.
Aaron & Partners’ Steve Marsh, Finance Director, added: “We are proud to be able to continue to support the hospice and the exceptional work they do, and it’s fantastic to be involved in bringing this garden to Backford for the enjoyment of residents and their families.
“We have nothing but admiration for the work that the hospice team does for families and individuals in communities across our region. We’re looking forward to supporting their endeavours and collaborating with them much more in the future.”
