After a year of nurturing the new garden at the Cancer Care Centre at York Hospital, garden designer Sue Lindley has handed over to a group of dedicated volunteers.

The specially designed garden was funded by donations to create a beautiful and tranquil space where people can find peace and fresh air. It was designed to a very specific brief to make sure it was suitable for people who have cancer.

Sue Lindley explained: “There were quite a few challenges to creating the garden, from how we used the space to what kind of plants were suitable when people’s immune systems were compromised.

“For the environment we chose calming colours, using a soft grey colour for the timber and metal, a warm sandstone for the path and charcoal coloured warning strips and pots. Everything had to be configured to be accessible for wheelchairs and anyone with a visual impairment. The plants are all yellow, blue and white which all add to the unfussy and comforting feel.

“The flowers had to be chosen carefully so as not to attract bees as a sting can be a serious problem for someone with cancer, particularly if they are having chemotherapy. The treatment can also affect people’s sense of smell making them much more sensitive, so we couldn’t have anything too highly scented.”

The garden is now well established and the volunteers, who have helped maintain the garden for the past year, are ready to take over.

Volunteer Christine True, President of Ainsty Rotary Club, said: “People relish coming in for the peace and quiet especially when they have a stressful appointment. They seem to really appreciate the work that has gone into the garden to create colour and movement. We’re delighted to be able to maintain this lovely space for everyone who wants to use it.”