LANDSCAPE gardeners and suppliers joined forces to donate around £25,000-worth of labour and materials to create a garden at Petersfield Hospital in a week.

Contractors from Liss, Kingsley, Chawton and Rowlands Castle worked for six days on the DIY SOS-style project behind Cedar Ward at the hospital in Swan Street.

The project was driven by landscaping manager Simon Holland, of Wyevale Garden Centre at Rake, who co-ordinated the donated materials and volunteer work force in his free time.

The project seeds were sown by wife Sarah, who is a nurse.

Simon, from Rogate, said: “About four months ago she asked if we could put in raised flower beds for wheelchair patients, but the garden just wasn’t suitable.

“I came up with a wheelchair-friendly design, and went to the contractors and suppliers I deal with every day and asked for their help, and they stepped up.

“Without them this wouldn’t have happened and, thanks to them, the patients have a stunning garden they can enjoy and will help them on the road to recovery.”

Chris Tanner, of Christian George Garden Landscapes, of Greatham, employs apprentices Harry Hicks (18), of Petersfield, and Aiden Butler (18), of Rowlands Castle, who worked on the makeover.

Chris said: “We were happy to do it and, as well as benefiting the patients, it’s good for Harry and Aiden to work with different contractors, and something like this can be very rewarding.”

Landscape gardener Ian Hawkins, of Kingsley, said: “Hopefully, the patients will benefit from it.”

Horticultural Advisor Lynn Dupont, of MNB Landscapes in Chawton, said: “It has been a great job to work on – a big thank-you especially to the man of the hour, Simon Holland, who has achieved something very special.”

Cedar Ward helps elderly patients regain fitness before they return home after a lengthy spell in hospital.

Age Concern manages the ward for the NHS and co-ordinator Julie James said: “Working in a garden helps with fitness, and is very therapeutic. I can’t express our delight, and can’t thank enough all those who worked on it, or donated materials. It will make a huge, huge, positive difference to patients.”