National Gardening Week: Greenfingers Charity brings the healing power of nature to children’s hospices

Growing joy, comfort and connection in the toughest times.

Greenfingers Charity is dedicated to creating beautiful, sensory, therapeutic gardens for children in hospices across the country. Since 1999, the charity has been working alongside hospice care providers, expert designers, and the wider horticultural community to bring the calming, uplifting power of nature to some of the most vulnerable young people in the UK.

For children with complex needs- many of whom are isolated indoors due to their medical conditions—a garden can offer something truly life-changing. These are not just outdoor spaces; they are places for play, discovery, interaction, and relaxation. They offer a moment of peace for families, and most importantly, they allow children to simply be children.

Every Greenfingers garden is uniquely designed to provide accessible, inclusive, and safe outdoor environments that support physical and emotional well-being. From sensory planting to wheelchair-accessible pathways and quiet areas for reflection, the charity’s gardens are carefully crafted to meet the specific needs of children, their families, and hospice care teams.

National Lottery funding: A lifeline for lasting impact

Thanks to the support of the National Lottery, Greenfingers Charity has been able to extend its impact—both by creating new gardens and maintaining those already built.

One standout project made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the creation of a stunning new sensory garden at Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in Wales. What was once a little-used, inaccessible space is now a vibrant and fully accessible garden, where children of all abilities can play, rest and enjoy the outdoors- whether walking, in wheelchairs or in beds. With an incredible new outdoor structure, the garden can now be enjoyed by the entire hospice community, whatever the weather.

The garden includes sensory elements to engage children with complex needs, a network of safe paths, and ever-evolving planting schemes to ensure that every season brings new sights, smells and experiences. It has become a cherished space for children, families, staff and wildlife alike.

In addition, National Lottery funding is supporting Greenfingers’ 25th Anniversary Garden Refresh Programme. Over the next 18 months, this initiative will enable the charity to revisit many of its almost 70 hospice gardens around the UK- revitalising sensory planting, replacing worn features, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

With hospices currently under immense financial strain, many lack the resources to maintain their outdoor spaces. The refresh programme is a crucial step in preserving these therapeutic environments, ensuring they remain safe, beautiful and beneficial for years to come.

“National Lottery funding has enabled us to protect the legacy of our gardens,” said Linda Petrons, Greenfingers’ Director of Fundraising and Communications. “It ensures that the therapeutic benefits of these spaces are not lost due to wear and tear or lack of funds.”

Case Study: Tŷ Hafan’s Sensory Sanctuary

At Tŷ Hafan Hospice, National Lottery funding helped Greenfingers transform an unused space into a garden full of life and possibility. Children can now cycle, walk or simply enjoy the fresh air, while those with limited mobility can experience the garden in comfort and safety.

Hundreds of volunteers helped plant bulbs and flora, boosting local biodiversity and creating a haven for pollinators and wildlife. The space is now not only therapeutic for the children but is also a source of pride and beauty for the entire community.

“The creation of our stunning new sensory garden is a wonderful addition to the coastal environment in which we care for those children and families who use our services,” said Deb Ho, Tŷ Hafan’s Director of Care.

“Our sincerest thanks go to Greenfingers Charity and its supporters for helping to make this possible. What they have created has far exceeded our expectations.”

Looking Ahead: How to support Greenfingers Charity

As well as creating four new gardens this year, Greenfingers Charity has a growing waiting list of children’s hospices in need of their own magical, therapeutic garden. As part of National Gardening Week, the charity is looking forward to progressing all of its projects and bringing the gift of a garden to more children’s hospices across the UK.

Greenfingers is also calling on individuals, businesses, and community groups to get involved—whether through fundraising, donations or volunteering.

There are countless ways to support their work. From garden-themed fundraising events to legacy giving and corporate partnerships, every contribution helps bring the comfort and joy of a garden to a child who truly needs it.

To find out more or to get involved, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

Together, with the support of National Lottery and the wider community, Greenfingers Charity will continue planting hope, one garden at a time.