It was a wonderful day of learning, sharing, and connecting yesterday at the Serge Hill Project.

Sue Stuart-Smith gave the keynote speech: it was at the same time beautiful, educational, and inspiring – and the tone was set.

Arit Anderson and Keely Siddiqui-Charlick followed, moving us seamlessly from laughter to tears, as they showed us how projects like Sunnyside can impact people, gardens, communities, and the planet, and how anything’s possible if you have enough cake!

Richard Claxton gave a brief update on Gardening4Health and our plans now we’re officially a charity.

Next up was Ruth Madder from brilliant Bridewell gardens – an in-depth look at working as a Social and Therapeutic Horticulture practitioner.

After a yummy lunch with time both for chat and wandering in the stunning Barn Garden and Plant Library, Kurosh Davis brought us back to calm and focus with a stunning solo performance of Bach on the viola.

Then came an afternoon of immersion into Horatio’s Garden – Olivia Chapple – founder and Chair of Trustees spoke about their incredible journey, before interviewing Joe Darrell. Joe’s been a patient in both the Glasgow and Stanmore spinal units. With modesty, humour, and honesty, his story will leave a profound impression on all who heard him.

Tom Stuart-Smith described the challenges of designing the Stanmore garden and illustrated the beautiful and functional space it has become, and then head gardener and horticultural therapist Ashley Edwards explained the many ways the space is used, and the phenomenal impact it can have.

Horatio’s Garden is not just about the gardens. It’s shone a spotlight on just how dehumanising our healthcare system – both in terms of its space and its processes – can become. The gardens in many different ways are showing us a better way forward for holistic healthcare.

Thank you Millie Souter and Derek Hunter for the garden tours, and an especially big thank you to Becky Fincham for masterminding the day for us. It ran without a hitch.

Lastly, thanks to Tom and Sue; the Safe Green Space they’ve created here was the perfect setting for such a brilliant day.