At around 30m2, Bob Russell’s garden is, by his own admission, modest. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm and character. A jungle of colour at the front and a subtropical oasis in the back, it’s his favourite place to be.
Southern Housing resident, Bob, has lived in the village of Northiam, near Rye, for around seven years. Initially moving in when he and his wife needed a home that was more accessible for her support needs.
Bob’s wife loved nature, which was what initially inspired him to transform the garden. He crafted their back garden to create a panoramic view from the space for her wheelchair, and planted roses in front of the bedroom windows, so she could lie in bed and see them.
On 23 July, Bob, along with others in the village, opened his serene slice of paradise to the public, as part of St Michael’s Hospice Open Gardens fundraising event.
“I’ll do what I can to support the hospice,” says Bob, “they did all they could to support my wife with end-of-life care, enabling her to stay at home during her final weeks. They were wonderful.”
And nurturing his garden has been a focus for him in living with his grief. “I like to keep busy,” he says, “evidence has proven that people who spend time in nature have better mental health. I wake up in the morning and I have my coffee outside. I’ve got all I need, and I wouldn’t want to move even if I won the lottery.”
And it’s not hard to see why. Filled with big and bold foliage, and lush greenery, with a canopied area for keeping cool during summer, it’s like stepping into an exotic secret garden, which evokes a real sense of calm. Lighting, under the canopy and around the seating area, mean the garden can be enjoyed both day and night, illuminating the exotic plants when the sun goes down.
During the open garden event, Bob warmly welcomed his visitors, telling them all about his garden, the plants they see and how he cares for them, his warmth and passion for the space radiating.
Whilst Bob clearly delights in sharing his space with likeminded others, he loves nothing more than a summer evening in his tranquil garden, with a gin and tonic in hand and the barbecue, or his smoker, fired up. We don’t think we’d want to move either!
