Last year, the Pharmacy team at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust set out to transform an underused patch of land into a vibrant garden to support staff wellbeing and boost biodiversity. Thanks to incredible team efforts, donations, fundraising and support from Gateshead Health Charity, the garden has quickly taken shape.
So far, the team has:
- Dug 11 new planting beds
- Built a raised bed from recycled paving stones
- Constructed and repaired a shed
- Planted shrubs, lavender, herbs, and 190 spring bulbs
- Added handmade decorations like bunting and crocheted insects
- Painted benches and introduced seasonal planting
This summer, the garden gained a peaceful seating area which features a mural themed around nature and wellbeing. Designed in collaboration with Kells Lane Primary School and created by local artist Gemma Lynas of Calisto Wallstars, the mural reflects the connection between green spaces and mental health. The mural was inspired by Donna Ashworth’s poem, ‘Wild Hope’.
The team hosted a Garden Party on Thursday 3 July, to welcome colleagues, enjoy the sunshine, and unveil the mural.
Polly Cranmer, Clinical Pharmacist and lead on the project, comments on the garden, “It’s fantastic to see everything coming together to celebrate everyone’s hard work to produce a space that is for everyone. We really hope that people get positive benefit from the garden. We would like to thank Kells Lane Primary School, Gemma and everyone who has fundraised to help us along the way.”
QE Facilities supported the project by installing the mural on site, helping to bring the final vision to life. Special thanks to Raj (ECC Consultant) for his ongoing support and digging skills! Thank you to the Pharmacy team members who have donated, volunteered, and made this happen.