The Bridgerton Garden, that won a Silver medal at last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show was officially opened today in its new permanent home at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), at an event attended by staff, patients and volunteers.
The garden, which was inspired by the third season of the Netflix hit show, is an accessible green space that hopes to bring a moment of peace and reflection to NHS patients, staff and members of the surrounding community.
We announced that the garden would have a permanent home at CUH last year.
Outdoor space is so important for aiding recovery and improving mental health and wellbeing, so we are absolutely delighted to have such a beautiful environment within the heart of the hospital grounds. The Bridgerton Garden will act as a permanent, therapeutic place for our patients, families, staff and the whole hospital community to retreat to and enjoy.
Lorraine Szeremeta, Chief Nurse at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Designed by Holly Johnston, the garden has been carefully reimagined as a lasting gift to the hospital and local community.
Holly led a ribbon-cutting ceremony at today’s unveiling event alongside Ian Walker, director of corporate affairs at CUH. Guests were welcomed with a performance from internationally renowned orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, who brought the world of Bridgerton to life with a selection of music from the series.
Nearly every element of the original garden, from its signature moongate and period water feature, to the hand carved stone sculpture and symbolic planting, has been sustainably repurposed under Holly’s guidance.
It’s an enormous privilege to relocate the Bridgerton Garden to Cambridge University Hospitals and know that this space will have such a positive impact on people's healing. This garden was designed to tell a story of personal growth and now, as it finds its permanent home, it’s hoped that this space will continue to play a part in the diverse stories of patients, visitors and staff, offering moments of calm and connection during both joyful and challenging times.
Holly Johnston, Garden Designer
The design has been adapted to be fully accessible by eliminating level changes, introducing a secondary access point and widening the garden path to accommodate wheelchair users and for easy maintenance as a public space. The refined plant selection includes lower maintenance shrubs, ornamental grasses, and long-season perennials, specifically chosen for their hardiness in a high-traffic environment.
The relocation to CUH has been made possible through partnership with Netflix and Shondaland – the producers of Bridgerton – as well as Stewart Landscapes, Holly Johnston Design, WT Partnership.
To see the Bridgerton Garden in its permanent location at Cambridge University Hospitals is a full-circle moment for us. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the garden will offer a sanctuary to staff, patients and local residents. This garden is more than just a physical space; it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire connection.
Rajiv Nathwani, VP of Marketing UK at Netflix
The ongoing care of the garden will be led by Stephen Chandler, the CUH grounds & gardens supervisor, who has worked closely with Holly since its initial planting in March. There are plans for community involvement, such as an annual spring bulb display, ensuring the garden evolves with the care of local volunteers.
Today’s opening, and the garden’s connection to Bridgerton will be commemorated by a plaque that will be added to the garden at a later date.
Visiting the Bridgerton Garden at CUH
The garden is open to staff, patients and visitors and can be found close to the Rosie Hospital.
The Bridgerton Garden is situated outside of the Café on Level 1 near the Rosie Hospital's main entrance. It can be seen from various locations within the Rosie Hospital and from the K wards in Addenbrooke's Hospital.
