Eternal Garden

Rae has transformed the existing courtyard at the hospital into a calming and private garden which provides a dedicated space for loved ones to spend precious moments with their family or friends whilst receiving end-of-life care at St Peter's Hospital.

The garden comprises a patioed area surrounded by pleached trees, an oak pergola, planted beds, wooden benches and three water bowls to fill the garden with the calming sound of trickling water. Also located in the courtyard is a garden room with bi-folding glass doors to allow the healing power of nature to flow throughout. To enable Eternal Garden to be used both day and night, all year round, the room has heating installed and lights around the garden's patio area.

The courtyard has been named Eternal Garden, as the name signifies time without end and how things endure beyond life, including memories and the impact others have on our lives.

Garden designer and TV presenter Arit Anderson, who officially opened Eternal Garden, said, "We come into the world in a whirl of energy and what happens after that is up to fate, but what we do need is to be nurtured in our most difficult of times. The Eternal Garden will be a wonderful place of sanctuary and healing to patients, family, and staff at St Peter's. Bravo to the team, Rae Wilkinson and The Outdoor Room for creating this special and necessary space."

Eternal Garden received the award for Best Planting Design under £25,000 in Pro Landscape Magazine's small project BIG IMPACT awards 2022.