This June, we'll be unveiling our first ever legacy garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the Birmingham NEC.
The garden symbolises the emotions and experiences stroke survivors face on the road to recovery. It also celebrates the special commitment by people whose legacies and pledges are helping us rebuild lives every day.
- At the entrance, misaligned paving stones and sparsely planted areas of shrubbery reflect feelings of isolation and fear when a stroke strikes.
- The range of plant type, height and colour increases to symbolise the ups and downs of the recovery journey.
- From a raised platform area, viewers can see a scene of change and growth.
- Central to the garden is the winding wall, representing the unfailing support of family, friends and the Stroke Association.
Rebuilding lives
Many of our Recovery Services use the rehabilitative power of gardening to help stroke survivors rebuild their lives.
My stroke was very severe. I thought I’d be no use in a garden. But with determination and encouragement from my Support Coordinator I was able to get stuck in. Gardening has helped my weak hand to improve enormously. There’s something very satisfying about planting things and watching them grow… that’s a big help to all survivors.
Mike, stroke survivor and gardener
The designers
The garden has been designed by award winning landscaper Alex Daley and Phil Pooley, stroke survivor and Legacy Officer.
Phil Pooley has 20 years’ experience working in the horticultural industry, and holds a degree in Forestry. Phil is also a stroke survivor; having had a stroke at just five years old. Now a member of the Stroke Association legacy team, the garden is the fulfilment of a lifetime dream for Phil.
Alex Daley’s first show garden was at RHS Tatton in 2003. The garden, called ‘Serve Chilled’, won a silver medal. In 2006 he returned with a display titled, ‘Inside Out’, which not only won the gold medal, but was awarded ‘most creative garden in show’.
Leaving a legacy
Many people choose to leave a legacy in memory of a loved one. Our garden celebrates the people whose legacies and pledges will help us rebuild lives for years come. Legacy gifts make up over half of all our donations. Without them we wouldn’t be able to support stroke survivors adjust to life after stroke.
The Stroke Association Legacy Garden Prize Draw
Could your garden be getting a summer revamp? If you’ve entered our legacy garden prize draw at BBC Gardeners’ World NEC, please click here for full terms and conditions.