Godalming family gifted garden makeover after ‘difficult’ year
A “deserving” family has been gifted a garden makeover including a new patio, flower beds, and fences so that children can play safely, after a “difficult” year. It came as part of bespoke gardeners Hardwood Landscapes’ 2023 charity week amid a drive to create positive change.
2023 was a “challenging year” for the horticulture and construction industries, according to Hardwood Landscapes managing director, Oliver Gregson, who highlighted a post-Covid impact on business. However, he said: “For the first time, we had some gaps to fill in the run-up to Christmas[1].
“Rather than stressing about trying to keep the team busy, we had a think about what we could do to bring everyone together and lift morale. So we ran a competition on our social media accounts, asking for our followers and their networks to get in touch if they could think of anyone who deserved our help after a rubbish year.”
Mr Gregson continued: “I’m very proud of what my team achieved in just a week and the positive impact it will make on the family’s life.
It is safe to say Lizzie and Anthony were more than deserving.”
The family’s front garden before (L) and after (R) (Image: Hardwood Landscapes)
The Godalming[4] family hit hard times the Christmas before when Anthony was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Then, in addition to his difficult treatment, Anthony sadly lost both his father and mother in the space of eight months. The family’s plans to renovate their garden were put on hold as a result.
Hardwood Landscapes described Anthony’s old garden as “not a relaxing space” and worried it was unsafe for the family’s kids, aged four and six, to play in because it was open to the road. The company decided “the family needed a haven and a place for the children to let off steam” so worked to bring joy to the space.
New fences, flower beds, and a patio area were introduced (Image: Hardwood Landscapes)
Photos taken after the remodel show a gated front garden, a round stone patio area, and a new fence, as well as reworked flower beds. Anthony reacted to the project and described himself as “quite emotional” and “very touched” by the kindness shown.
Mr Gregson added: “We are grateful for the generosity of our suppliers and industry friends and hopefully with their help, we will be able to give back again in this meaningful way next year, as we would really love to continue making a difference in our community.”
Anthony’s family now has an “amazing garden” to recoup in and enjoy together.
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References
- ^ Christmas (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ I tried the challenging Leith Hill circular walk with spectacular views and stunning waterfalls (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ The forgotten railway line with abandoned station that still connects Guildford to the south coast (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ Godalming (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ here. (www.getsurrey.co.uk)