Award-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden arrives in Rotherham
A “WORLD CLASS” garden set to transform a healthcare site into a “peaceful sanctuary” has completed a 160-mile journey from London to Rotherham following the end of the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Asthma + Lung UK's Breathing Space Garden will find a lasting, namesake home at BreathingSpace, a specialist site on Badsley Moor Lane in East Dene that cares for NHS patients with respiratory conditions.
The Asthma + Lung UK Breathing Space garden was a hit with judges at the world famous flower show in May this year.
It was awarded a silver medal overall and was commended in the Environmental Innovation award category for using innovative, sustainable and low carbon materials and practices.
Work to plant the garden at BreathingSpace began over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend and will continue over the coming weeks.
It will be supported by volunteers from partner organisations and the local community, with Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity helping to coordinate volunteer support and contribute additional funding towards the garden’s relocation.
Once complete, the garden will be looked after by volunteers including BreathingSpace patients.
The garden was sponsored by Project Giving Back and supported to relocate to BreathingSpace by partners including E.ON, NHS Charities Together, and Project Giving Back.
Bob Kirton, managing director for Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Asthma + Lung UK Breathing Space garden is really starting to take shape now in its lasting home at BreathingSpace.
“It’s taken hard work from different teams both on the ground and behind the scenes to pull things together.
“I really want to say thank you to all those that have played a part so far and all those that have volunteered to look after it in the future.
“Your efforts have been really important in creating something great for your local NHS Trust and ensuring it has a positive legacy.”
Rachael Dawes, head of charity and engagement for Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, said: “This is a once in a lifetime wonderful opportunity.
“The world class garden will transform the site at Breathing Space into a peaceful, beautifully designed sanctuary for patients living with lung conditions and our fabulous colleagues.”
Jess Dhariwal, plant manager at E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows renewable energy plant, said: “As a renewable energy plant, sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and supporting local communities is incredibly important to us.
“So, it’s especially meaningful to see this garden begin a new chapter in Rotherham, providing a calm ‘breathing space’ for people to rehabilitate and connect with nature.”
Ellie Orton OBE, NHS Charities Together CEO, said: “At NHS Charities Together, we know that access to nature and green spaces can play an important role in supporting wellbeing.
“We're proud to support the Asthma + Lung UK Breathing Space Garden as it finds its permanent home in Rotherham, creating a lasting space for people living with respiratory conditions and a positive legacy for the local community.”
The garden will be formally opened at an event later this year on Wednesday, September 16.