Horatio's Garden Founder given RHS's highest honour
Dr Olivia Chapple's been recognised at the Chelsea Flower Show
The founder of Salisbury charity Horatio's Garden has been given the highest honour possible by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Dr Olivia Chapple, who's also Wiltshire's High Sheriff, has been presented with the prestigious Elizabeth Medal of Honour at a ceremony during the Chelsea Flower Show.
The award is for non-horticulturalists who've 'significantly impacted the advancement of the science, art or practice of horticulture for the benefit of all generations and the environment'.
There can only be 70 medal holders at any time, with the award established last year, in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
It follows the charity's efforts to create therapeutic gardens in hospitals around the UK for spinal injury patients.
The first was opened at Salisbury District Hospital in 2013, with seven now in existence.
Horatio’s Garden has now started work on its eighth garden in Sheffield, and it's also one year since the charity took home the prize for the Best in Show winning garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Dr Olivia Chapple said:
“When we started twelve years ago there was such little recognition of how important gardens are for rehabilitation. But today the effect of green spaces on how people can begin to come to terms with life changing events is well documented.
"I’m so proud that Horatio recognised the need for spaces for people with spinal injuries and their families and also staff – this award is really in recognition of that vision and how we have grown today to deliver seven groundbreaking extraordinary gardens with four more to come.”
James Alexander-Sinclair, RHS Vice President and Horatio’s Garden Trustee said:
“Seldom has an award been more richly deserved than the EMH given to Olivia Chapple by the RHS. She is an indefatigable champion for the power of gardens.
“Her extraordinary leadership and inspiration in creating gardens for those affected by spinal injury has brought light and joy into the lives of thousands of people - patients, families, staff and visitors. Many, many congratulations."