STAFF and volunteers at the Primrose Hospice are celebrating after scooping the prestigious ‘People’s Choice’ award at the annual RHS Malvern Show.
The charity also won a bronze medal for its ‘Time is a Healer’ plot which was created by Wilson Associates Garden Design and was the brainchild of award-winning designer Martyn Wilson.
The garden charted a child’s bereavement journey, illustrating what can be a confusing and challenging time and each of the areas represented the commonly experienced feelings and moods they go through.
A central sculpture reminiscent of a clock face symbolised the passing of time, dark planting represented shock denial or depression, bright colours represented anger and fear and a reflection pool offered somewhere serene to think and reflect and a calm palate of plants represented acceptance and understanding.
Seating areas within the garden allowed for space to withdraw for a period of contemplation or to remember those who had passed on.
Primrose Hospice spokesperson Helen Crook said everyone at the charity was absolutely delighted with the result.
“The Show Garden has been a wonderful opportunity to talk to the public about the work we do here at Primrose.
“The funding for our Children’s Support Service has recently come to an end so money collected at the show is a start towards the £50,000 we need to find to fund the service.”
A number of sponsors made the garden possible, including Kendrick Homes, Garden Store incorporating Littleheath Garden Centre, Ready Hedge, The Bransford Webbs Plant Company, Thomas Horton Solicitors, Shaun Bennett Gardening and Landscaping, Nik Burns, Ella Mae Sibley Sparling, Andy Pullen, Schellevis, Bradfords Building Supplies and Universal Document Solutions Ltd.
The bereavement service for children, showcasing the garden, was set up three years ago thanks to a start-up grant from Macmillan. With the grant coming to an end, the Primrose has to raise around £50,000 per year to ensure the service continues.
Jenni Smith, Macmillan children and young people’s practitioner said: “Despite the children and young people often having close relationships with their family, it can be hard to fully open up and talk about how they are feeling through fear of upsetting or burdening them.
“The work I do with children and young people gives them the opportunity to express, explore and process how they are feeling in a creative way, in a safe environment.”
Anyone wanting to contribute to the Primrose Hospice’s appeal for funding for the Children’s Bereavement Service can text PRIM16 £ and the amount they want to donate to 70070.
