Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice will be showcasing its stunning gardens later this month as it opens its gates to the public as part of the National Open Garden Scheme.
The hospice, which houses the county’s only inpatient unit just outside Cheltenham, will be opening its gardens to visitors on Sunday 23 June, between 11am and 4pm.
In addition to exploring the spectacular grounds, which surround the Grade 2* Listed Cotswold Manor house, visitors will be able to enjoy the newly designed feature garden area, recently remodelled thanks to a generous grant from the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).
Designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal-winning designer, Peter Dowle, the newly finished area features a mix of trees, shrubs and an eye-catching rose bank which will provide year-round colour and interest.
Admission on the gate costs £5 and children go free. Light refreshments and plants will be available in support of the hospice and visitors can also picnic on the hospice’s back lawn. Parking is free.
Offering plenty of peaceful vantage points to pause and take in the stunning views of the Malvern Hills, other garden highlights include the Charles Irving Woodland Walk – an all-weather wheelchair friendly walkway which loops around the hospice’s pond and woodland – capturing the serene surroundings and abundance of wildlife. From the pathway visitors will also be able to spot a Yellow Norwegian Maple planted by His Majesty the King to mark his 70th birthday year during his last visit.
Elise Hoadley, Hospice Director explains, “Our beautiful gardens provide a quiet haven for patients and families going through their hardest times, with areas to reflect and remember loved ones. We are thrilled to be sharing our stunning grounds as part of the National Open Garden Scheme once again and look forward to welcoming people to our wonderful hospice.”
David Bills, Head Gardener at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, adds: “We have a team of up to 30 dedicated volunteer gardeners, who work tirelessly to maintain the extensive hospice gardens, orchard, lake and woodland for the enjoyment of patients, families and staff. After all the rain we’ve had lately, everything is blooming so there’s never been a better time to come along and visit us! We’ve currently got roses, foxgloves, poppies, salva, hydrangea, cosmos and a vast array of grasses and shrubs in flower.”