We’re firm believers in the healing power of gardens. That’s why we’re proud to support Horatio’s Garden, a remarkable charity that creates fully accessible gardens in NHS spinal injury centres across the UK.
We’ve now had the privilege of being involved with two of their inspirational projects. The first was in Cardiff — you can read more about that project and the origins of Horatio’s Garden here. More recently, we contributed to their newly opened garden in Sheffield, based at the UK’s second-largest spinal injury centre, which serves a vast area stretching from the West Midlands to East Anglia, and from South Yorkshire to Lincolnshire.
A garden with purpose
Horatio’s Garden Sheffield & East began life at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2023, where it won both Gold and Best in Show. Designed by Harris Bugg Studio, it was the first Chelsea garden created with the requirements of people with mobility needs at its heart.
In only eight months, the garden was rehomed and reimagined at the Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre at the Northern General Hospital, transforming a car park into a sanctuary just metres from the wards. The garden was officially opened with great fanfare by HRH The Princess Royal on 24 July 2025.
Its reputation has already spread far and wide. One visitor from New Zealand was so inspired after reading about the garden that she made a point of visiting it during her trip to the UK.
At the heart of the garden is a water feature, incorporating historic cutlery casts as a nod to Sheffield’s industrial past. This resonated particularly with one patient who had previously worked in the trade.
Stone cairns, like the ones you’d find in the nearby Peak District, are dotted throughout the garden, symbolising wayfinding when the path ahead is unclear.
The garden is fully accessible, even for patients in hospital beds, and has been thoughtfully designed to support long-term recovery, which can often last three months or more. For patients whose field of vision is upward, tall, leafy trees provide a sense of calm and connection to nature. Raised beds make it easy for wheelchair users and those relearning to walk to get involved in gardening. These beds are planted with sensory, herbaceous perennials and edible plants, offering gentle, therapeutic interaction with the natural world.
The garden continues to give back to outpatients, offering a new experience with every season and every visit.
Supporting the team behind the scenes
Tucked away at the back of the garden is a Malvern Garden Buildings shed that plays a quiet but important role behind the scenes.
It acts as a tool store and houses the water supply system, as well as providing a small office for Head Gardener Ruth Calder. It’s also the sign-in point for the dedicated volunteers who help keep the garden looking at its best.
Ruth has worked with the National Trust and in private gardens, but what appeals most about this role is that the garden is used and has purpose. It’s a place where people find peace in a non-clinical setting, enjoy a brew and a chat in nature, or find a welcome distraction in gardening or crafts.
John’s story
One of those volunteers is John Robinson, who was left with a spinal injury in a car accident at the age of 18. Since then, he has set a javelin record while competing and travelling with the British Athletics squad, played wheelchair basketball, and performs in a cover band called “Bad Circulation”.
John volunteers in the garden several times a week, watering the plants and keeping things tidy — including, he jokes, “de-cobwebbing the power points and lights.” While he doesn’t consider himself a gardener, he was so inspired by the garden’s opening that he felt compelled to get involved.
John uses his own experience to support others adjusting to life after spinal injury, showing them what’s possible — from travel and sport to everyday independence. He also volunteers with Aspire, Back Up, and the Spinal Injuries Association, doing talks and raising awareness.
A place to rehabilitate
Horatio’s Garden Sheffield & East benefits hundreds of in-patients and their families, thousands of outpatients, and over 250 NHS staff who care for them every year.
Recently, the garden was the finish line for the ‘Every Step for Dave’ ultramarathon, with family and friends of Dave, who’s currently a patient at the centre, coming together to raise funds to support his future, Horatio’s Garden and Sheffield Hospitals Charity. And it’s not only people who enjoy the space — a chatter of parakeets has also made it their home, adding an unexpected splash of colour.
A guest book in the garden captures the emotional impact it has on visitors. One entry reads:
If I had to choose one word to sum up the garden, it would be: tranquil.
That one word says it all. The garden offers a much-needed sense of calm and space to breathe for people coming to terms with life after a spinal injury.
A continued commitment
At Malvern Garden Buildings, we’re honoured to play a small part in something that makes a big difference.
Gardens like this remind us why outdoor spaces matter. They’re not just places to sit or pass through. They’re spaces that uplift and enrich lives.
