TV's Tophill opens blooming marvellous hospital garden

Gardeners' World presenter Frances Tophill went back to her Deal roots to open a beach-themed garden for NHS staff and patients to enjoy at Victoria Hospital.

Having become overgrown and unusable during the pandemic, local volunteers, supported by staff from the hospital, which is run by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT), have worked their magic to create a peaceful garden that takes inspiration from Deal's coastal location.

Nurse Sue Turner and colleague Kerry Lee, Senior Healthcare Assistant, could see the garden's potential and called upon local resident and garden designer Liz Lellow to help.

Liz said: “I created an initial design and consulted with the staff who will be using it. It was important to make sure it’s easy to maintain but as one of the wards looks out onto the garden, we wanted to make sure it is also a wonderful area for patients to see and watch the wildlife.”

Sue and Liz were joined by volunteers, KCHFT staff and the police cadets to clear the area ready for local contractor David Carr to turn the dream into reality.

The new Elizabeth Ward Garden was officially opened by Ms Tophill, who grew up in Deal, alongside The Worshipful Town Mayor of Deal, Councillor Chris Turner, Mayoress Ms Kate Gatti, KCHFT's Chair John Goulston and Chief Executive Mairead McCormick.

Opening the garden, Frances said: “Any local resident can see the beaches of Deal have been used to inspire this wonderful garden.

“It’s important as we talk more about mental health, areas like this are created to allow people to take some time, relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Gardening is great therapy and is becoming more common with people who want to improve their wellbeing.

“It’s wonderful to be here and I’m delighted to open this garden for everyone to enjoy.”

Local resident, volunteer and the trust's Lead Governor Carol Coleman said: “We have received many generous donations to complete this piece of work and I’m incredibly grateful to them all.

“I hope our NHS colleagues will enjoy the garden and it creates some enthusiasm and momentum for our next project. Victoria Hospital is a hub for the community and we want to make sure all those who use the hospital, are able to enjoy the garden as a place to relax and recharge.”

Guests enjoyed a tour of the grounds as well as refreshments and entertainment from local sea shanty singers Kellet Gut.

Mayor Turner said: "Kate and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to attend the official opening of the garden project. The commitment and enthusiasm of the people involved were palpable. The outcome of all your hard work is a delight, and I am sure that patients and staff will derive great benefit from what has been created."

Kerry Lee presented the volunteers with a beautiful bouquet of flowers as a thank you and said: “These three formidable women (Sue, Liz and Carol) have done so much for staff and patients at this hospital. We are so incredibly grateful to them all.”

Funds for the garden were donated by KCHFT’s charity i care, the hospital's League of Friends and more than 20 local sponsors. Building materials and plants were also donated by local businesses to create this inspiring space as a thank for hospital staff.

The green-fingered volunteers initially created a sensory garden for the patients on the ward, particularly benefiting family and friends visiting end-of-life patients, before tackling this unkempt area for staff.

Sue Turner added: “We are thrilled with the outcome but there is more work to be done to improve an area on site for patients which will include a space where they can get actively involved in the garden and nature around them.”

The League of Friends and volunteers will be holding a fete at the hospital on Saturday, 12 August from 1 to 4pm to help raise funds for the next phase of improvements. They are looking for stall holders and donations for a grand draw. Everyone is welcome to join this annual event which is taking place for the first time since the Covid pandemic.

Sponsors of the garden include; League of Friends, Jewson, East Kent Timber, Mccarthy and Stone, Gallagher Group, Brett Specialist Aggregates, Palmstead Plants, Archers Low Nursery, Downderry Nursery Ltd, Morrisons, Wingham Garden Centre, Youngs Garden Centre, B&Q and Hutchings Timber.