A new ‘therapy garden’ has been opened at Homerton Hospital to help patients recovering from trokes.

It is set in a restful environment in the Graham Stoke Unit and was laid out and shaped by some of the patients themselves with help from staff.

Patients and their families now have a relaxing space to share precious time away from the ward.

One patient, Vincent, said: “Coming into the garden is like going on holiday, when you’re in bed all day looking at the ceiling. It’s so lovely to get into the fresh air and do something productive.”

Gardens are essential for holistic health and nature-based activity, which therapists say is supported by scientific evidence. Therapy is best held “in the fresh air listening to the birds”, they tell you.

The garden has raised planters at different heights to get all patients involved in growing fruits, vegetables and flowers.

The garden was formally opened by Donald Taylor, an artist from Hackney and previous patient who has returned to health and wanted to say thanks to the Stroke team for the care he received on the ward.

Some 85 wellwishers packed the official opening, including patients, family members and hospital staff, all funded by Homerton Hope charity, Thames Water and the Graham therapy team who completed a 10k run that raised £2,430.