St Catherine’s grounds win Best Hospice Community Garden and RHS award
The Hospice grounds include well-manicured lawns, a butterfly gate, sensory garden, flower beds and a pagoda, providing a peaceful space for patients and their families to enjoy
The grounds of St Catherine’s Hospice have picked up two accolades in the North West in Bloom Awards.
The open spaces were named Best Hospice Community Garden in the region and an outstanding award from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
The Hospice grounds include well-manicured lawns, a butterfly gate, sensory garden, flower beds and a pagoda.
However, there is also a section of gardens set aside specifically for patients to enjoy peace and privacy.
The carefully maintained and ecologically protected 13-acre site is nestled within St Catherine’s Park, Lostock Hall, a substantial green space popular with local dog walkers.
The wider park features wetland, a woodland reserve and a wildlife area along the River Lostock.
The Hospice relies on a team of volunteers to keep its grass, shrub areas and garden features in top condition.
Marshall Lane, head groundskeeper, said: “This is a true labour of love for all the staff and volunteers as the Hospice grounds are beautiful, and a magnet for local wildlife.
“We’re fortunate to have such strong support from our local community too in protecting and treasuring our award-winning environment.”
Hospice Chief Executive Lynn Kelly added: “Our gardens mean so much to the people we care for, their families, visitors and colleagues.
“They provide a beautiful, peaceful place to pause, reflect and spend time together. Keeping them looking so wonderful takes real care, commitment and plenty of hard work throughout the year.
“Marshall and our grounds volunteers should feel incredibly proud. This award is a lovely recognition of everything they put into creating and caring for such a special space for our Hospice community.”
One of the ways St Catherine’s Hospice protects its gorgeous green space is to use natural growing aids when possible. In an initiative introduced a couple of years ago, donations of real Christmas trees are invited. These are chipped and used as fertiliser and weed supressing mulch.
Details of the Hospice Christmas tree collection and drop off service are available on the Hospice website
St Catherine’s Hospice provides care for patients (and their loved ones) across South Ribble, Preston and Chorley who are living with life-shortening conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease, dementia and heart failure.