We Created a Courtyard Garden at Stratford-upon-Avon Hospital
At Forest of Hearts, we believe in creating spaces that nourish both nature and people. Following the success of our Garden of Wellbeing, we’ve transformed another previously unused area of Stratford-upon-Avon hospital into a vibrant Courtyard Garden - a sanctuary designed to support staff, patients, visitors, and the wider community.
A Place to Unwind and Connect
Understanding the importance of relaxation and connection, we’ve designed the Courtyard Garden to be a welcoming retreat for staff to unwind or hold meetings in a calming, natural setting. Thoughtfully placed seating areas allow for quiet reflection or engaging conversations, making this garden a living, breathing part of daily routines, especially in the upcoming summer months.
A Haven for Biodiversity
Nature thrives where we nurture it, and biodiversity is at the heart of this space. Our planters are bursting with pollinator-friendly plants, ensuring that bees and butterflies have a rich habitat. Bird boxes adorn the fences, offering shelter for feathered friends, while bug and bee hotels provide refuge for crucial pollinators. Bird baths and feeders complete the environment, inviting wildlife to settle and making the garden a joy to observe throughout the seasons.
Cultivating Growth with Green Therapy
In addition to promoting relaxation and biodiversity, we’ve developed a vegetable garden for our Green Therapy group. This space enables participants to grow their own produce while embracing the therapeutic benefits of gardening. A designated potting-up area ensures that seeds and saplings can be carefully nurtured.
Sustainability is key, and with that in mind, we’ve incorporated a composter to create rich, homegrown compost. A wheelbarrow bay and wood store allow us to efficiently organise materials for future gardening and creative projects.
Growing Together
With the Courtyard Garden, we continue our mission to improve wellbeing through nature, creating a space where people and wildlife can thrive side by side. Whether enjoying a peaceful moment sat at the table, witnessing birds flock to their new homes, or feeling the satisfaction of harvesting fresh produce, this garden stands as a testament to the power and impact of green spaces in urban settings.
A big thank you to our incredible community volunteers, Green Therapy group, Stratford Town Trust, Stratford B&Q branch and our dedicated corporate volunteers from NFU Mutual for your help bringing the garden to life. Your donations, support, fence painting, garden furniture upcycling, planter planting, bird box and bug hotel building, and regular watering have created a space that truly blossoms with care.
