New kitchen garden opens at Chestnut Tree House

Grounds manager Nick Jones stands in the new kitchen garden at Chestnut Tree House

Fresh vegetables, climbing plants and a space to learn and play

Grounds manager Nick Jones worked with Greenfingers to help bring their vision to life. He said: “The garden space is a vibrant, multi-functional area designed to delight and inspire. There’s an allotment garden where our dedicated gardeners grow fresh vegetables for the kitchen chefs to transform into delicious dishes. Throughout the allotment, arched structures provide both aesthetic appeal and practical growing space, allowing climbing plants to flourish while saving ground space. I can’t wait to see the children and young people exploring it.”

At the rear of the garden, there’s a dedicated pick-your-own area, which this year includes a variety of pumpkins for children to enjoy during the Halloween season. Wheelchair-accessible raised beds allow children of all abilities to get involved—whether growing vegetables, exploring herbs like the ever-popular chocolate mint, or simply getting their hands dirty.

On either side of the kitchen garden hedge, there are green spaces with several trees, and the Chestnut team plans to sow wildflowers here to create flowing sweeps of meadow, enhancing biodiversity and seasonal interest. A standout feature is the custom-built gazebo, generously donated by a Greenfingers Charity supporter. Its clear roof is decorated with detailed fruit and vegetable patterns casting colourful shadows when the sun shines through—adding a magical touch.

Above left: one of the children explores the new kitchen garden; right: the ‘edible walkway’

Partnerships bring added value for children, patients and their families

Head of Major Gifts Sarah Clifton said it was inspiring to see Greenfingers’ support for the hospice: “Charities like Greenfingers make an incredible difference to our work here at Chestnut Tree House. By creating this beautiful space, they are making wonderful experiences and opportunities available for the children, young people and families that come to the hospice.”

Care costs at the hospice amount to more than £6 million per year, and only 21% of this comes from government funding.

Clifton added: “Partnerships like this are invaluable. They mean we can keep going above and beyond for those we support, and we’re always excited to hear from major donors and specialist charities about the ways they want to work with us.”

Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chairman of Greenfingers Charity, was at the opening ceremony in September. He said: “Reaching our 70th garden is a moment of immense pride. Hospices are under enormous pressure to fund the essential care provided within their walls and that’s where Greenfingers steps in. We’re the only charity dedicated to creating therapeutic outdoor spaces for children’s hospices and with the support of our partners and the public, we can continue to make a difference. This kitchen garden is a shining example of what can be achieved when compassion and creativity come together.”

Supporters from the charity Greenfingers join Chestnut’s CEO and other staff at a ribbon-cutting ceremony

The Greenfingers Charity extended heartfelt thanks to Roger Head, the main funder of the garden, along with others who contributed funds and gifts in kind to make the Chestnut Tree House Kitchen Garden possible, including the Chapman Trust, The Hedley Foundation, Arbour Landscapes, Greenwood Plants, Veg Trug, Rolawn, Alexander Rose and Plaswood.

Would you like to be a kitchen garden volunteer?

The team is currently looking for a volunteer to help keep our new kitchen garden in tip-top condition. Whether it’s sowing new seeds, planting and raising beds, or helping with regular maintenance such as watering, weeding and pruning, there will be plenty to do year-round.
Read more about the kitchen garden volunteer vacancy.