Bringing Nature to Life at East Lothian Community Hospital – Opening Two New Therapeutic Gardens

After a huge amount of hard work and dedicated collaboration, we are delighted to announce the official opening of two new therapeutic spaces at East Lothian Community Hospital (ELCH): The Oak Tree Garden and The Blythe Garden.

What were once plain areas devoid of much life have been transformed into vibrant, species-rich green spaces filled with a diverse range of plants and wildflowers. Birds and pollinating insects are already making themselves at home among the new planting, bringing sound, motion, and colour right to the heart of the hospital grounds.

None of this would have been possible without the hard work and support of staff across ELCH, alongside the very generous funding of The Blythe Trust, who supported the garden renovations as well as the appointment of our dedicated Therapeutic Gardener.

A Space to Connect and Reflect 

Patients, loved ones, and staff have immediately started using both gardens, enjoying the transformative benefits of spent time outdoors.

In the Oak Tree Garden, the newly formed Gardening Club has already seen big success. Working closely alongside the ward’s Meaningful Activity Coordinator, patients have stepped straight out into the space to get their hands in the soil.

For the palliative care ward, The Blythe Garden offers a calmer, more tranquil environment. Designed as a restful haven surrounded by tactile planting and gentle sensory details, patients and their loved ones have already been using the space to spend meaningful, quiet time together in a calming natural setting.

Welcoming Louise Lissaman to the Team

We are thrilled to welcome Louise Lissaman to the Green Health team as our new Horticultural Practitioner.

Louise brings a wealth of expertise and therapeutic insight to the role, balancing her work at ELCH with her ongoing role as Wellbeing and Outreach Coordinator at the highly respected local Amisfield Walled Garden. Her leadership will be central to supporting our patients, growing the garden sessions, and ensuring these green spaces continue to flourish.

The first sessions saw patients tending to raised beds, thinning chard seedlings, planting a fresh herb garden (including mint, sage, rosemary, thyme, fennel, and basil), and choosing spring bulbs. The space has already hosted the ward’s summer party, with plenty more activities planned on the calendar.

The immediate positive impact on wellbeing has been heartwarming to see. One gentleman, who had previously been very quiet and withdrawn on the ward, completely lit up during the garden activities—becoming lively, communicative, and enthusiastic as he helped with the planting.

Looking Ahead

What started as outdoor construction is already delivering real moments of joy, respite, and recovery across the hospital. To read more about the background, design, and vision for these green spaces, visit our East Lothian Community Hospital Garden Redesign Project Page.