Horatio's Garden

Horatio’s Garden Midlands is a beautiful, vibrant sanctuary nurturing the wellbeing of people after spinal injury spending time at the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries. Designed by six-time RHS Chelsea gold medal winner Bunny Guinness, it was the fourth garden to be opened by the nationwide charity in September 2019.

The charity’s vision is to sustainably grow thriving communities and biodiverse gardens in all 11 NHS spinal injury centres in the UK. To date Horatio’s Garden have opened seven gardens in the South West, Scotland, Stoke Mandeville, Midlands, London & South East, Wales and Northern Ireland, with work beginning on the charity’s eighth garden in Sheffield in spring 2024. 

About Horatio's Garden

Horatio’s Garden Midlands is a vital place for reflection and adjustment for people facing life-changing injuries and long stays in hospital from across North Wales, mid-Wales, South Mersey, Cheshire, and the West Midlands. The profoundly positive impact of a Horatio’s Garden is clear for patients, their loved ones, and hospital staff. Research shows that 94% of beneficiaries see an improvement in their wellbeing with 91% reporting that the gardens support their mental health.

Horatio’s Garden Midlands is open to people spending time in the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries all year round and is cared for by the charity’s team, alongside volunteers and creatives.

The garden features:

• Wrap-around views from the ward, offering colourful views of nature with flowers such as Rosa ‘Olivia’, Verbena bonariensis, Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ and Bistorta amplexicaulis 'Firetail'.
• A stunning magnolia tree, planted in recognition of the hospital’s namesake, orthopaedic nurse Dame Agnes Hunt, who pioneered the benefits of nature for health and recovery.
• Glasshouse and garden therapy areas featuring raised beds and planters for patients to grow their own plants, flowers and vegetables.
• An open social space as well as sheltered areas plus a wheelchair skills area, children’s play area and serpentine rill.
• A garden room designed by Andrew Wells of 3W Architecture, featuring a ceiling painted by artist Martin Rodgers.

Horatio’s Garden is an independent registered charity reliant on public support. Any amount, no matter how great or small, helps to ensure that Horatio’s Garden Midlands will always be there for those who need it most.

Please visit the Horatio’s Garden website to donate and find out more

The garden was part-funded by the hospital’s own League of Friends.