Orchard Close July 27th

The house

This afternoon we went to the respite home at Orchard Close, on Hayling Island, for their annual Garden Party. We were met by Christianne Strubbe, the Principal Landscape Architect from Hampshire County Council and Helen Bradshaw, who has been the Manager since April of this year.

The event had been scheduled for mid-June, but had been postponed owing to the very bad weather that we had at that time.

Today was a very warm day, although earlier rain had freshened the greenery in the garden.

The wild garden & orchard

Orchard Close provides short term stays for adults with learning disabilities which gives respite to their family and carers.

The special sensory garden, inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, offers residents and staff a chance to interact with nature.  It has an orchard to encourage wildlife, a water feature, a summerhouse, a lawn for activities such as football and a barbeque area.  Everything is linked together by easily accessible paths.  Everyone can enjoy some part of the garden, including the seating that provides a peaceful place to relax.

The house is built in the Arts & Crafts style, and became a respite home about 30 years ago.