New artwork has been installed in Harefield Hospitals’ Peace Gardens – created by artist Emily Gardiner.
The Peace Gardens, situated outside Rowan Ward and the ICU ward, have over the past year been rejuvenated with plants and trellises, so patients can enjoy the view from their windows.
Commenting on the recent installation by Emily Gardiner, rb&hArts manager Karen Janody said: “When our transplant patients were consulted about what they would like to see out of their bedroom windows, they asked for plants and sculptures with colours reminiscent of the Mediterranean. Emily Gardiner was chosen by patients and staff as her vision combined ceramic art, colour and nature.” 
Talking about her creation, Emily said: “It’s so exciting, and somewhat emotional, to see the Peace Garden artworks in situ! The pieces are all handmade, starting as hand-carved plaster models which were used to create plaster moulds. The intention is to provide patients and their families, staff and visitors with a colourful, positive and uplifting visual experience. Something to enjoy, lift the spirits and allow the mind to wander.”
Commenting on the artwork, one of the patients said: “The artwork is fantastic! It is very colourful. It is delightful to look outside now, and it makes me think of home and my lemons. I have a lemon tree. It is really important to have something to look at, a nice garden and nice artwork on the walls.”
The Peace Gardens are now complete with bursts of colours interspersed with luscious plants climbing the brick walls. Funding for the Peace Gardens has been received from multiple sources including the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity, Patients Amenity Fund, Heathrow Community Trust, HS2 Community Environment Fund, the Mayor of London Greener City Fund and National Lottery Community Fund for their support of this project.