The John King Brain Tumour Foundation Garden is a hospital rooftop garden that provides a vital space for patients and hospital staff to be immersed in nature. It is a calming environment designed to aid recovery and provide a safe space for often difficult conversations. This small garden demonstrates how the charity is transforming under-used areas of grey concrete rooftops into hidden sanctuaries for people and wildlife to discover and enjoy.
At the heart of the garden, a sculpture by Emma Rodgers, inspired by a mighty English oak, symbolises strength, wisdom and healing. It’s leaf canopy is made from hands applauding the NHS. Under a canopy of dappled shade, there are a selection of spaces to sit, pause, reflect and heal. Surrounding raised planters are filled with scented and textural plants in a blue and pale yellow colour scheme as a tribute to the NHS.
After the festival, all the elements of the garden will be re-used and relocated to the Atkinson Morley Wing at St George’s Hospital, close to Hampton Court Palace, to live on as a peaceful rooftop oasis for neuroscience patients and staff to use.
