CHILDREN with life-limiting conditions in South Wales have been given another avenue of support and connection with the world – with Tŷ Hafan’s new sensory garden.

The garden – called the 62nd Greenfingers Charity garden – is based at Tŷ Hafan’s children’s hospice in Sully, Penarth. It was designed by RHS gold medal winning designers Victoria Wade Landscapes and brought to life by NP Landscapes and was opened on Thursday, April 27, by BBC Radio 2 resident gardener Terry Walton.

Penarth Times: Terry Walton, resident gardener on BBC Radio 2, opening Ty Hafan's sensory gardenTerry Walton, resident gardener on BBC Radio 2, opening Ty Hafan's sensory garden

The sensory garden is designed to encourage biodiversity, sustainability and wildlife and help children to be able to connect with the natural world.

There are willow arches, a woodland den, covered seating area which has access to electricity and hand-washing facilities. It is designed to be used by children with life-limiting conditions and their families while staying at or visiting the hospice.

Deb Ho, director of care at Tŷ Hafan, said: “Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice provides care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Wales at our hospice in Sully, near Cardiff.

“The creation of our stunning new sensory garden is a wonderful addition to the coastal environment in which we care for those children and families who use our services.

“Our sincerest thanks go to Greenfingers Charity and its supporters for helping to make this possible, and to Victoria, Joe and NP Landscapes for their dedication to this project.

“What they have created has far exceeded our expectations and I know that this garden is already an important place for so many.”

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Victoria Wade said: “This is definitely my favourite garden we have ever created. I am really proud of what we have all achieved. It’s been such an amazing team effort and I have been blown away by the generosity of everyone who has been involved – everyone has gone above and beyond.

“It’s been so exciting to see the garden come into bloom this spring and seeing the thousands of bulbs that the volunteers have planted flowering for the first time has been really special.”

Penarth Times: Sue Allen of Greenfingers Charity presenting spades to volunteers at the opening of Ty Hafan's sensory gardenSue Allen of Greenfingers Charity presenting spades to volunteers at the opening of Ty Hafan's sensory garden

Project manager Joe Wade said: “It’s been such a great project to be involved with. I know the garden will benefit so many people – we have been overwhelmed by how many lovely comments we have had during the build from the hospice staff, volunteers and families who are so excited to spend time in the new garden. It’s been such a great team effort from everyone involved.”

The garden was funded by The National Heritage Lottery, The Postcode Lottery and friends of Greenfingers.