SHOW GARDEN RELOCATION
The garden is a place of calm inspiration for young patients and their families at RHCG, which is a national centre of excellence, supporting children from across Scotland with the highest visitor numbers of any hospital in Europe.
Supported by Project Giving Back, the grant-making charity that funds gardens for good causes at RHS Chelsea and for their relocation to permanent homes or repurposing after the show, Semple Begg wanted the design of the garden to capture the imagining of a child’s mind set free from the burden of chronic illness, mirroring the freedom and escape that art therapy gifts young patients. Plant choices were inspired by children's books and films – Wonka, Oz and Wonderland – where colour is vivid and shape and form are exaggerated, creating a fantasy theme.
Semple Begg are recognised for their skilled planting and for creating imaginative, sustainable spaces that are in harmony with the natural and built environment. Bringing a Chelsea gold medal winning garden back to Glasgow is something of which Semple Begg are immensely proud. Nicola Semple said, “It’s a huge privilege for us as designers to lead a public project that is going to have a long-lasting impact and a powerful legacy.”
"Following discussions with NHSGGC the hospital board had the foresight to invest in the garden’s future, ensuring it will be well-maintained by Shiona Blackie, a fantastic gardener, and her volunteers.”
Susan Begg continued, “Following focus groups with children and families, patient groups and medical staff, the garden was redesigned for a larger plot at the hospital. It includes year-round colour, wide wheelchair-friendly pathways, and peaceful seating offering respite from the clinical environment.”
Retaining the spirit of the original garden, Snorky and Grizzly – two trees with an unusual form that make them look like friendly monsters – stand as the guardians to this inclusive space.
To help create an immersive experience, visitors will be able to hear soundscapes of the garden (what’s happening in the tree canopies and the soil) by scanning a QR code on their mobile phones created by sound artist Michael Begg .
As a next stage development, a weather-proof art studio will be added to the garden as a permanent home for art therapy. Teapot Trust’s CEO, Sarah Randell, said, “We’re delighted that the garden is such a beautiful resource for young patients and their families, and that art therapy will happen here – away from the clinical environment. We’re so grateful to all our collaborators who contributed their best to make this a reality for children and young people.”
Teapot Trust Art Therapist Dr Patricia Watts, who supports children in the hospital, said, “I am thrilled to see the children exploring the garden, noticing the colours and finding out the story behind the garden. It is lovely to include the garden as part of the introduction to art therapy and to show children and families this is a space they can use. This can put them at ease, particularly as hospital visits can be stressful for some children and families. It also provides a lovely reflective space for staff too!"
Consultant Rheumatologist Dr. Jo Walsh, whose young patients benefit from art therapy, explains the impact the garden is already having. “The Elsewhere Garden is a tranquil haven close to the ever-busy Children’s Hospital. The space invites children, young people, parents and staff to explore the vibrant colours, contrasting shapes, movement and scent of the planting layers. It is a really special place; thanks to Teapot Trust and Project Giving Back, the Elsewhere Garden will benefit so many. I watched children racing round the paths and looking up at the pine trees, two staff were having a quiet break, and a mum to be sitting in the shade by the astrantia. The Elsewhere Garden is a place for all.”
Hattie Ghaui, CEO of Project Giving Back, the grant-making charity that funded the Teapot Trust Elsewhere Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 and partly funded its relocation to Glasgow, said, "We know the Teapot Trust Elsewhere Garden at the Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow will provide a colourful and joyful space for children, their families and the incredible staff who care for them to enjoy for many years to come.
“Project Giving Back is committed to funding gardens for good causes that use the RHS Chelsea platform as a springboard to longer term locations with benefits for the charity’s wider community. This garden is a brilliant example and will no doubt offer children much needed respite, as well as Teapot Trust outdoor art therapy, while undergoing their treatment and recovery. Huge credit must go to the Teapot Trust team, the garden designers, collaborators, and additional supporters for making this relocation what it is today and will be long into the future.”
