THE FIRST of more than 100 British-grown trees have been delivered to a “tranquil oasis” in Southampton.
The trees, supplied by Hillier Trees, have been delivered to the new Maggie’s Centre in the city.
The Maggie’s Centre is a new cancer support centre based by University Hospital Southampton’s oncology unit, being created in partnership between award-wining architects AL_A, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Sarah Price, one of the country’s most sought-after landscape designers.
A £5m campaign was set up to build and run the centre which is aimed at complementing the cancer treatments and research taking place at the hospital, but no date has been released for the centre’s official opening yet.
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Almost three quarters of the 1,470m2 site is being given over to four distinct gardens that are inspired by the ecology of the nearby New Forest.
In keeping with Sarah Price’s design ethos, the tree selection includes species that will create a natural, woodland look and feel; offer a colour palette that blends with the architectural design and provide year-round interest.
The trees are all being delivered from Hillier Trees container tree nursery in Hampshire.
They are being planted over the space of a few weeks, in an almost military operation requiring the brief closure of roads around the grounds to facilitate delivery.
Siobhan Wyatt, property projects lead at Maggie’s, said: “Maggie’s are delighted to be working closely with Hillier to realise Sarah Price’s landscape at University Hospital Southampton.
“Our New Forest oasis will be a haven for anyone living with cancer, and their loved ones, while they receive support from staff.”
George Hillier, of Hillier Nurseries, said: “We are delighted that trees are now being delivered and we look forward to seeing them all in their final position.”
Tree species selected for the new Centre include Betula pendula (silver birch), Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine), Sorbus aucuparia (Mountain ash), Prunus serrula (Tibetan cherry) and Prunus avium (wild cherry).
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