COVID Garden of Reflection to open in St Helier
To mark the first anniversary since lockdown began, Sutton Housing Partnership in partnership with Sutton Council and Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, has announced plans to open a COVID Garden of Reflection on St Helier open space, opposite the hospital.
The idea for the garden emerged from local residents, Laura Devereux and Maureen Morant as a way to honour those who have sadly passed away over the last year.
It will also celebrate the community spirit and hard work of NHS colleagues that have helped carry Sutton through the pandemic.
Work on creating the garden recently started with the planting of pine, birch and cherry trees. Additional features will be introduced over the next 12 months with further planting taking place from autumn 2021.
The garden will officially open next spring and will include seating, carved sculptures, planted borders and wildflower meadows.
Steve Tucker, Managing Director, Sutton Housing Partnership, said:
“None of us could have anticipated the devastating impact that this year has had on every part of our lives. I have been heartened by the way in which so many residents have rallied together and worked with our staff here at SHP to help and support vulnerable members of our community.
"The willingness to reach out to help others during this time of crisis is something to be proud of and working in partnership we can face whatever the future holds together.
"I hope that the Garden of Reflection will be a place of solace and tranquility for all who need it and an opportunity for us all to reflect on what we have been through together."