Work begins on Sue Ryder hospice garden transformation 

News release April 2024 

Work has begun to transform the gardens of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice near Cheltenham, following a generous grant from the National Garden Scheme, as part of our annual Gardens and Health programme. 

In December 2023, we made a donation of £40,660 to bring to life a series of kindly gifted designs from RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal-winning designer, Peter Dowle. This will be the second time Peter’s designs have featured in the hospice grounds.   

Several areas of the gardens will be transformed to provide a beautiful and peaceful space for patients, their family and friends, and staff and volunteers, to enjoy and reflect. The design includes a mix of trees, shrubs and an eye-catching rose bank which will provide year-round colour and interest.  

Housing the only palliative care inpatient unit in Gloucestershire, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice gives expert and compassionate care to people when they need it the most. 

The redesigned garden will be available to view on 23 June 2024 when it opens for the National Garden Scheme. 

George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme, said:  

“Giving a grant to Sue Ryder for their hospice garden project joins together our long-term support for hospice care with our Gardens and Health programme which is a fabulous outcome for the National Garden Scheme. Added to this, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice must be one of the most atmospheric and historic places within the national network of hospices, with a long tradition of gardening around the impressive building, and in recent years has opened their garden in support of the National Garden Scheme. So this project will strengthen our existing partnership and give visitors even more to enjoy.” 

Peter Dowle is delighted to be working at the hospice again. He said:  

“We are so thrilled to be involved in the hospice garden once again. Sue Ryder is an organisation that has always held a very special place in my heart having provided the best care for my grandmother, for which I am eternally grateful. 

“To be involved with this garden and to have been working with Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice since 2016 is a delight. In 2016 we designed the courtyard area, in the main entrance, which included clusters of colour and texture and an olive tree giving it a warm, Mediterranean feeling, and now to the design and planting of the main terrace area this year. This scheme involves a bright and bountiful bank of roses interspersed with lavender for some warm summer scent and lots of interest for pollinators.  

“The purpose of the terrace garden is that it is a calm and contemplative space. We are just incredibly proud to be able to contribute to making a very special place more special.” 

Elise Hoadley, Service Director at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice said: 

“We are so grateful to the National Garden Scheme for this incredibly generous donation, which will help make our gardens even more spectacular and to Peter for his wonderful designs. It’s difficult to convey just how important the hospice grounds are for patients and families, staff members and volunteers. They are places where memories are made and loved ones can be remembered. I can’t wait to see the plans come to life.” 

For more information on visiting the garden as part of the National Garden Scheme on 23 June click here

For more on our partnership with Sue Ryder this year click here

For more information on Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, click here