We are The Christie magazine July 2025 Staff edition

The garden is open all year round, offering constant access to anyone who needs it. Seating areas are arranged to provide privacy while remaining visible from hospital windows, ensuring safety and comfort. Phill designs with aerial perspectives in mind, ensuring the garden’s beauty can be appreciated by patients in the wards above. Sustainability is front and centre. The estate is pesticide-free, which encourages birds, bees, and butterflies. Rainwater drains naturally through permeable paving, and most plants are watered just once a week thanks to reservoir systems. Beds are cultivated by hand, reinforcing a connection to the land. Phill also draws inspiration from the people he meets. One patient described her experience at The Christie as “being wrapped in a warm blanket.” That image led to a planting scheme with a holly bush surrounded by the hug of the yew. The garden’s impact is deeply felt. “It’s an oasis of calm after what can be a stressful journey,” says patient Joan Fjelle. “The colourful variety of flowers and plants make me feel more relaxed and more ready to face my appointment.” “It’s more than just a garden, it’s a real sanctuary,” shares patient Michelle Sheridan. “It gave me a place to gather my thoughts, breathe, and feel a bit of calm.”

"I’m a nurse in the breast cancer team and looked after an amazing woman who chose to spend her last weeks of life with us here at The Christie. She adored the garden as it lifted her spirits. I loved taking her down, having a coffee and listening to her many anecdotes." Katie Waller, Breast Cancer Nurse

“I’m grateful to Phill for creating such a special place for us," says Leah Hutchison-Saxon, a staff member and patient. “It’s so calming and peaceful. I love smelling the flowers and listening to the birds.” The garden is a vital part of the healing journey for many at The Christie. Through thoughtful design and heartfelt intention, it reminds everyone who sees it that even in the most challenging moments, beauty and peace can still bloom.

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