Horatio’s Garden is a charity which exists to nurture the wellbeing of people after spinal injury in beautiful, vibrant sanctuaries within the heart of NHS spinal injury centres. Having won ‘Best in Show’ at Chelsea Flower Show 2023, the garden, designed by Harris Bugg Studio, was increased in size and installed at the Princess Royal Spinal Cord Injuries Centre at the Northern General Hospital in 2025. The garden is cared for by Head Gardener Ruth Calder, a RBG Kew graduate who has worked in heritage and botanic gardens, community horticulture projects, and as a freelance planting designer and consultant. Ruth is supported by part-time Garden Coordinator Becky Sliwa Webb and a fantastic team of volunteers.
HRH The Princess Royal opened Horatio’s Garden Sheffield & East at our Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Unit at the Northern General Hospital and spent time with patients with spinal injuries and their families along with staff. She met Horatio’s Garden founders Dr. Olivia and David Chapple observed a gardening session with Head Gardener Ruth Calder and spoke to its designers Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg.
Horatio's Garden Sheffield & East started its life two years ago as a show garden which won Best in Show and gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 and was the first garden at Chelsea designed for people with mobility needs. It is now one of eight extraordinary gardens in the heart of NHS spinal injury rehabilitation centres, where people can spend many months and up to a year after a life-changing spinal injury.
