Bethlem walled garden – public unveiling

Former BBC Gardeners' World presenter Toby Buckland officially opened Bethlem Hospital's Occupational Therapy walled garden on Tuesday 19 July 2011.

The grand opening follows three years of hard work by service users and staff and the garden will continue to give service users an opportunity to learn gardening skills, grow their own fruit and vegetables and gain therapeutic benefits from working in the open air with nature. The garden includes a vegetable garden, greenhouse, wildlife garden, herb garden, wall-trained fruit, lavender walk and fruit trees.

Upon unveiling the commemorative mosaic plaque, made by service users, celebrity gardener Toby Buckland said: "I've got so many good things to say about this project. I truly believe that everyone can get something out of gardening. What's so good for mind and spirit is being connected to nature. Gardening is with you through thick and thin - and it is always going to be there. I hope the walled garden will be here to enjoy for a very long time to come."

Last year a BIG Lottery grant meant that a plot-to-plate local food project could be introduced so that service users can now both grow and cook their own food. And London Orchard has worked with service users and staff to help to restore the old neglected apple orchards at Bethlem.

Guests at the official opening enjoyed light bites, cakes and refreshments - many of which will be made using fresh garden produce. There was also an opportunity to take a tour of the garden and orchards at Bethlem and to find out more about the walled garden project.

Venita Burnaby, horticulture instructor at Bethlem Hospital, said: "The walled garden is a fantastic opportunity for service users and staff to work together in a positive, therapeutic environment. As well as the newly reclaimed orchards, service users have grown a whole host of fruit and vegetables from redcurrants and raspberries to sweet peas, pak choi and herbs, there is something for all tastes."