Children, young people and families supported by Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice are celebrating the official opening of a specially designed sensory garden which will provide countless hours of fun, laughter and learning.
The new fully accessible garden, which contains a jungle garden, a sensory area, new play equipment, a racetrack and more, has already become a popular space for the children and young people to enjoy whilst being cared for at the hospice, which is based in Durdar Road, Carlisle.
The £100,000 project to transform the old garden from a tired and outdated space was largely funded and led by charity Greenfingers who’ve worked along the hospice and contractors to make the vision a reality.
As well as Greenfingers, financial contributions have also been made by HSBC, Cash for Kids, Cumbria Community Foundation, Kingmoor Oak Tree Club and the Duke of Lancaster’s 4th Battalion. The hospice’s own gardening volunteers and facilities team have also played a vital role in making the area look its best and have been supported by volunteering efforts from local organisations include The Cumberland, British Gas, HSBC, Caldew School and Carlisle College.
Julie Clayton, CEO of the hospice, said: “Our new garden looks absolutely incredible and we cannot thank Greenfingers and all the other contributors enough for helping to transform this space. What you would’ve seen as we came out of covid was a tired and largely concrete area which definitely looked like it could do with some love.
“Now we have bright, colourful and engaging garden which is being used regularly by the children and young people with complex health needs that we care for. It’s making a real difference and this safe and accessible space is another huge asset to what we can offer here at Jigsaw.
Greenfingers’ chairperson, Sue Allen, said: “Our sincerest thanks to all those that helped to transform the garden at the Jigsaw Hospice. The garden is now a riot of colour, with areas that have been thoughtfully designed to create areas of both relaxation and stimulation. This is a garden where memories will be made, and I know it will be lovingly received by the children, family and staff that use Jigsaw.”
Designed by Dalston-based Bruce Walker of Westwood Landscape and brought to life by the team at Ian Howe Landscapes, the Cumbrian native drew his inspiration from the many colours of the Jigsaw logo, to create a number of different zones. The superb new interactive garden space is now home to a ‘Green Jungle Garden’, a ‘Yellow Wildlife Garden’ and an ‘Indigo Sensory Area’ for relaxation. This wonderful garden space – a true festival of sensory colours – also includes a bright blue art area, a sage green play area and orange kitchen garden for growing herbs and experimenting with seeds and grow-your-own projects, and even a racetrack.
The opening of the garden took place last week with a variety of guests in attendance. The ribbon was cut by Samuel who attends Jigsaw and Sue Allen.
