National charity Horatio’s Garden officially opened its fourth garden at the weekend.

The stunning feature at the Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen was opened on Sunday by Sir Algernon Heber-Percy to support spinal injury patients and their loved ones spending time in the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries.

The garden has been designed by award-winning garden designer and Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time panellist, Bunny Guinness, who attended the opening.

Bunny described how she created the original designs in collaboration with patients, families, and NHS staff and spoke of how wonderful it is to now see the space being treasured by so many.

The garden evidently means a great deal to both patients and staff of the MCSI, as a group gathered together to perform a song for the crowd expressing their joy and thanks to Horatio’s Garden. In an extraordinary gesture, the lyrics were written by a patient especially for the opening.

Chairman of the hospital’s Board of Directors, Frank Collins, described it as a “truly palpable project, which is testament to everyone sharing in its belief and vision”. He thanked everyone at the League of Friends, including chairman Peter David, charity director Victoria Sugden and vice chairman, the Lady Trevor, for her “marathon endeavours” in ensuring the project was supported from start to finish.

A spokesperson for Horatio's Garden said: "Now that the garden is open, patients and their loved ones are welcome to visit whenever they wish.

"The design features a children’s play area and numerous cosy corners where families and friends can simply while away the hours in each other's familiar company.

"Patients will also have the opportunity to take part in the charity’s gentle garden and art therapy sessions, whilst everyone can join in with the seasonal events that Horatio's Garden will hold in the space throughout the year."

The charity aspires to establish a Horatio’s Garden at each of the 11 spinal centres across the UK, with gardens currently open in Salisbury, Scotland and Stoke Mandeville. They also have projects planned for London and Cardiff, which are due to be complete by 2022.

If you would like to donate to Horatio’s Garden Oswestry, please visit www.horatiosgarden.org.uk/donate

If you would like to volunteer in Horatio’s Garden Oswestry, please email info@horatiosgarden.org.uk or call 01722 326834.