Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices in Sutton Scotney have refurbished their memory garden, designed to honour the memory of the children and young adults who have died, as well as their families, in a setting that blends nature with tranquillity.
Charlotte Roper, head of family support services at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: “We are so pleased with the Memory Garden, from the point that Andy produced a design that really felt like it captured what we felt was needed, through to the team at Johnstone Landscapes who sensitively and diligently created it on site, we are confident that the garden will be a peaceful space for many years to come.
Naomi House & Jacksplace memory garden has been refurbished. (Image: Naomi House & Jacksplace)
“The memory garden is a really important part of our bereavement support, and we have become more aware than ever of the number of people who visit – some regularly other intermittently, but all using the garden as a place to remember and feel connected.”
The garden offers families a serene environment to reflect, with the option to lay pebbles or hang leaves on a vine in memory of loved ones.
Following feedback from families and service users, the decision was made to expand and refurbish the space.
The redesigned garden features circular welcoming archways with climbing plants, additional seating, more trees and beds with a variety of plants, flowers and shrubs, carefully chosen to attract birds, insects and wildlife, alongside maintaining a peaceful surrounding and calming scent.
A summerhouse provides a sheltered area for visitors to leave messages or take time alone.
Designed by Andy Kirk of Willow Tree Design Studio, the refurbishment was carried out by Johnstone Landscapes.
Jake Stevenson, director at Johnstone Landscapes, said: “As professional landscape contractors, we were delighted for the opportunity to work on the memory garden for Naomi House & Jacksplace.
“We are immensely passionate about what we do, and upon meeting the team at the hospices, it was abundantly clear that they too are passionate about making a difference to the children, young adults and families in their care.
“Gardens have a unique ability to provide us with a moment of solitary peace or communal joy, a place to laugh or cry, an opportunity to connect with nature and with each other.
“They are a sanctuary, and we hope this one is worthy of the memories collected here.”
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