MAGGIE'S CHELTENHAM II
"TESTAMENT OF NATURE"
Gardens are integral to Maggie’s Centres, acting as thresholds or transition spaces that lead people away from the hospital into a different, sheltered realm. The gardens are also seen in a therapeutic context , enabling patients and visitors to connect with nature and the seasons, undoubtedly beneficial for both mind and spirit. “People project their grief and suffering onto nature”, said the late Charles Jencks. “Nature reflects the seasons, it is life and death, and that’s why gardens are so important to us”.
Thus connectedness with nature is an elemental need which we all depend on. Such is the philosophy behind the landscapes and gardens of Maggie’s Centres and included in the new design at Maggie’s Cheltenham. Here the aim has been to create a space for calm relaxation and distraction away from the difficulty that is illness.
Set in its urban environment the centre requires a landscape that provides a tranquil ambience, a sanctuary in which to escape. In the rich tradition of rus in urb - the ancient Roman belief that towns should be planted with trees and other plants for citizens wellbeing – the landscape is designed and planted to create a feeling of interconnectedness with nature and distraction away from illness.
The garden is planted with edge-of-woodland deciduous and evergreen perennials, shrubs, bulbs and grasses all chosen for a naturalistic informality that suits the shaded conditions imposed by the centuries-old existing Wellingtonia and need for enclosed spaces.
The design creates a floriferous green route along the curving path to the entrance punctuated at points with clipped yew domes. Planting is organised into repeat groups based on rhythm and repetition broken only by a multistem Amelanchier with its delicate creamy blossom. All plant species have been carefully chosen for colour, scent and to encourage bees, butterflies and other pollinators. A water sculpture by William Pye provides the essential ‘sound’ for a restorative garden.
The ’Cloister’ is a special, small and intimate space that has a sense of separation without being closed off. Pleached flowering trees, with frothy white blossom in springtime, create the necessary enclosure . A bespoke Cor-ten planter with integrated cantilevered bench backs onto yew hedging for privacy. Opposite another matched curved bench adds further seating. A table and chairs establishes this as the heart of the garden. A roof garden and internal courtyard increase the planted areas , the former with a feature vase-shaped Japanese coral-bark maple . The courtyard contains shade -loving plants with a central Rowan tree, a delight in late summer with its hanging bunches of vibrant pink-blushed berries.
The overall intent is to create a microcosm of calm and interest in this highly urban environment. Trees and plants chosen to bloom from spring through to late autumn bring joy and restfulness to visitors and have the additional benefit of providing foraging sources for bees and other insects.
A refuge for all.