A patch of desolate scrubland next to Bath Carers’ Centre is to be transformed into a thriving community garden thanks to a generous donation from the BBC’s One Show.
The One Show garden on display at the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Royal Hampton Court Flower Show this year is designed by competition winner Alexandra Noble, an architecture student from the University of Bath.
Beating off stiff competition from across the UK, Alex’s garden took its inspiration from the Roman Baths and the city’s unique Georgian architecture.
The One Show and the RHS were keen to find the winning garden a permanent home in the city which inspired the design.
Thanks to support from Bath in Bloom and Councillor David Dixon, it was gifted to the newly opened Bath Carers’ Centre on the Lower Bristol Road, ensuring that the design not only lives on, but also contributes to the health and wellbeing of the 4000 local carers the centre supports across the region.
Sonia Hutchison, Chief Executive of the Carers Centre, said: “We were bowled over by the offer of the One Show Garden. Caring can be an isolating, indoor role with little time for yourself.
“Being able to offer space for our carers to spend time outdoors, relaxing and enjoying the natural environment, is vital for their health and wellbeing. It gives them a space to refresh, recharge and relax.”
Roger Farrant, Executive Producer from The One Show added: “The One Show is delighted that parts of the garden created by our competition winner Alexandra Noble for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show will be returning to the city that first inspired it.
“It’s really heartening that the plants will be able to be enjoyed by carers in Bath for many years to come.”
Both carers and volunteers from the local community will be joining staff at the centre on 25th July to help install the new garden.
Gill Pitman, a local carer and member of the Carers’ Centre, said: “I’m really looking forward to helping with the One Show Garden. Gardening is such an enjoyable activity for me, and I can’t wait to be involved in ensuring we make this a long lasting community garden for carers.”
If you are green fingered and would like to get involved in this garden project, contact Carers Centre on 01761 431388 or [email protected].