Hospice garden transformation by Chelsea designer

A Kent-based garden designer, who is about to display at RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the first time, is in the process of transforming a hospice garden.

Joshua Fenton, from Gravesend, is creating a "peaceful, sustainable sanctuary for patients, family and staff" at ellenor, a charity in neighbouring Northfleet.

The new space will feature a memorial wall for grieving families, accessible pathways and pollinator-friendly planting, the charity said.

Mr Fenton said the project was about "creating a space that gives people comfort when they need it most".

He said: "A garden can offer peace, connection, and time to reflect - and that's what we've tried to create together."

The project is being supported through government funding as part of a nationwide initiative to improve hospice facilities across the UK.

This latest collaboration builds on a project in 2024, when the designer created a smaller therapeutic garden at the hospice.

Work on the final phase of the scheme is due to begin after Mr Fenton has displayed at Chelsea later this month.

Bob Shepherd, maintenance supervisor at ellenor, said: "I'm really looking forward to working on the garden project.

"I look forward to seeing the new garden finished and being enjoyed by patients and staff.

"We're a small team and this project will help highlight some of the important work that often happens behind the scenes."

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