A NEW therapy garden for patients in Tiverton was opened on Wednesday.

The Boatyard garden at Tiverton Hospital will provide a source of inspiration to therapy service patients and their relatives.

Nautically-themed, the courtyard space was opened this week by Les Hickman, cluster manager for Tiverton at Northern Devon Healthcare Trust, after patients contributed ideas and worked on the project as part of their occupational therapy work rehabilitation.

He said: “I am delighted that the garden has inspired so many people to become involved in this hospital project.

“It is the result of a joint commitment between volunteers, service users and staff, all of whom have been motivated to supply artefacts and use their gardening skills to create an area full of interest and inspiration for the future.”

The area was originally a drab, enclosed courtyard consisting of paving slabs and low-maintenance ground cover.

After looking out at the bleak scene over several years, staff and patients decided that the time had come to give the area a long-overdue makeover.

The ideas for a beach theme came from members of the therapy staff.

Now, the garden is also used as a therapeutic resource for children attending speech and language therapy at the hospital.

Oonagh Rowe, therapy manager for NDHT, said: “Several people have kindly contributed artefacts to the garden, including a large rowing boat complete with oars, three magnificent model ducks, a lobster pot with life-sized crab and a life belt that was originally used as a film prop at Ealing Studios.

“Other volunteers have worked tirelessly and have used their gardening skills to good effect.

“We would also like to thank our hospital League of Friends who have given their support and funding towards the project.”