Coming soon all the details and 
analysis for the Chelsea Gardens 
on show at the Chelsea Flower 
Show 2006. 

Watch this space! 

Herbal remedy

13 April 2006

THE SMELL of fresh herbs will waft 
around the precincts of Grove House 
this summer thanks to a team of local 
gardeners.
               
A new herb garden has been planted 
behind the day hospice on Waverley 
Road, St Albans, and is filled with 
useful herbs for cooking together with 
wild strawberries and other edible plants.
           
Some of these plants will be used in the 
meals which are prepared for the patients 
who visit Grove House in the grounds of 
St Albans City Hospital.
               
Joan Follett, manager of Grove House's 
day hospice, said: "I think it's lovely that 
these local gardeners have donated their 
time to plant this garden for Grove House. 
Diet and nutrition are an important part of 
keeping strong when you are living with 
a life-threatening illness and that includes 
eating a lot of fresh fruit, vegetables 
and herbs.
               
"Another benefit of the garden is that it's 
nice for our patients to spend time outside 
enjoying the lovely and relaxing surroundings. 
Many of our patients are unable to do any 
gardening themselves because of their illness 
and so when they come here they can enjoy 
our gardens."
           
The team of gardeners, known as 4head 
after the headache medicine made by 
sponsor Diomed Development, will be 
exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show 
for the third consecutive year. 
           
They spent two busy days at the hospice, 
first digging up an old flower bed and then 
planting dozens of herbs and topping off the 
finished plot with mulch.
       
Gardener Heather Yarrow, who is part of 
the 4head team, said: "Because we are a 
local company, we like to use our gardeners'
expertise to give something back to the 
community. Last year we planted a garden 
for a local school and this year we chose 
to support Grove House by donating this 
herb garden."
       
The public will have an opportunity to 
see the new herb garden as well as 
the rest of the Grove House gardens at 
the upcoming Flower Festival on June 3 
and 4.
       
There will be plants for sale as well as 
teas and the opportunity to learn more 
about what goes on at the hospice. 
Further information is available from
the fundraising team on 01727 731000. 
The Grove House gardens are maintained 
by a group of dedicated volunteers and 
anyone wishing to join the team should
call Wendy Burns on 01727 731000.
       
 

A popular style hanging basket. Designed 
and planted by GreenPinkies.   

More information about the 4head gardening 
team is available from Bonnie Williams on 
01438 833287.