25th Anniversaries blossom in hospice gardens thanks to David Austin Roses

David Austin Roses has helped our 25th anniversary celebrations blossom with three beneficiaries this year. As part of the celebrations, the quintessentially English rose grower donated a Generous Gardener climbing rose to each of the hospice gardens that open for the National Garden Scheme.

National Garden Scheme Chief Executive, George Plumptre said: “The National Garden Scheme is delighted to have the support of David Austin Roses in this very special year. 2021 sees us marking 25 years of partnership and over £6 million in donations to Hospice UK, helping them to provide services that transform the lives of the terminally ill and those who love them. With gardens playing a central role in the care that hospices offer, it’s wonderful that David Austin Roses is supporting us, and the hospice network, with the provision of the beautiful climbing rose The Generous Gardener – a rose created for the National Garden Scheme. Seeing the roses planted and blossoming in these very special gardens will provide a lasting and beautiful reminder of a very important partnership.”

Hospice UK CEO, Tracey Bleakley added: “We share the National Garden Scheme’s vision of the valuable therapeutic benefits of gardens in promoting people’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Gardens have a very important role in hospice care, providing a beautiful and tranquil space for people with terminal and life-limiting conditions and their families to receive counselling, bereavement support, learn new skills or simply take time out for quiet reflection.”

The bowers of blooms that The Generous Gardener will provide in the years to come will not only create a beautiful, scented space in the hospice gardens but also a lasting reminder of 25 years of partnership.

Our photos show David Austin’s Head Gardener Steve planting a rose beside the cafe at Compton Care in Wolverhampton which opened for the National Garden Scheme in 2021.