PROJECT

St. Thomas Hospital 

CLIENT

Contracts Manager Dene Hakner

DESIGN

Robert Myers Associates

CONTRACTOR

Bowles & Wyer

CLAY PAVER

Elegantia Carbon

Photo's: Miles Hebron

The Florence Nightingale Garden was originally designed for the 2020 Chelsea Flower Show, but because of some delays related to the Covid pandemic, it debuted in September of 2021. The project won the silver medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show later that month. In the spring of 2022, the garden was finally relocated to the upper terrace of the Albert Embankment at the Saint Thomas Hospital in London to provide a permanent sanctuary for nurses. Since its inauguration on International Nurses’ Day, The Florence Nightingale Garden, designed by Robert Myers, has become popular among patients, visitors and staff.

The central figure of the space is formed by a large timber pergola, built with cross laminated timber, a durable wood panel. The Elegantia Carbon clay paver was used for the hexagonal paving, a conscious sustainable material. Thanks to the ECO-7-size of the clay paver, less raw materials are used during production. The reduced size and its long lifespan make this choice extra durable. The clay pavers are applied in random bond and create an elegant, linear result thanks to their slim size and unsanded surface. The paving and the perimeter walls reference to the ‘pavilion’ hospital layouts Florence Nightingale advocated for. Images of her and parts of her handwritten notes can be found on the wood walls. This special project is situated right next to the river Thames and overlooks Westminster.

At the heart of the garden's ecological philosophy is the thoughtful selection of plant species, with a focus on native and pollinator-friendly varieties. By integrating a diverse range of plants, including late-blooming perennials, grasses, bulbs, and medicinal herbs, the garden creates a vibrant mosaic of colours and textures, promotes biodiversity, and supports local wildlife population. Medicinal plants from Nightingale’s era, such as Chinese rhubarb, witch hazel, and ferns, are also featured in the garden.

Hospitals greatly benefit from tranquil green spaces like this one, which align with Nightingale's advocacy. During the Covid era, the need for peaceful environments became even more critical, with nurses playing a pivotal role. Many of Nightingale's principles on hygiene and statistical evidence influenced the global response to the pandemic, highlighting the importance of gardens for health and wellbeing. By incorporating diverse plant species and emphasizing health and wellbeing, the garden shows how Nightingale’s principles are still very important today.