Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie's, commented on the opening saying: “I am honoured that our President, Her Royal Highness, opened our new garden today at Maggie’s Dundee.  This is a groundbreaking step for Maggie’s, as we open our first ever therapeutic landscaping project, which will form an intrinsic part of the healing experience for centre users.  At Maggie’s we greatly value the power of design and environment to lift people’s spirits and I don’t think that anyone can deny the power of this garden to induce positivity, creativity and reflection in individuals. The partnership between Maggie’s Centres, NHS Tayside and dedicated local supporters has made this landscaped garden possible and we are most appreciative for the gifting of the design by Arabella.”

Her Royal Highness met with key NHS stakeholders and families who use Maggie’s Dundee, and was given a walking tour of the garden with Arabella Lennox-Boyd, who explained the inspiration behind her stunning design.

The project is the first of its kind for Maggie’s, and uses dramatic, stepped earthworks around a new thirty-three meter diameter labyrinth which visually links the hospital to the Maggie’s Centre. Arabella Lennox-Boyd’s design echoes the surrounding hills and reflects the beliefs held by both Maggie Keswick Jencks and Arabella Lennox-Boyd in the therapeutic nature of the landscape. It truly captures the principal aim of Maggie’s Centres, to equip people with the tools to build a life beyond cancer through practical and emotional support.

The new landscape acts as an amphitheatre-like place for contemplation, with the aim that people, children and families can find both peace and amusement walking through its complex curves and paths. A separate small garden, planted with flowering shrubs and roses, can be used as an additional outside room for patients and their families. Overall, the effect is striking, as the outside of the building is swathed in ivy and dramatic grasses, whilst in the wider landscape, azaleas and rhododendrons along with many native Scottish species and flowering trees will provide colour and texture throughout the year.

For full press materials or to arrange interviews please contact:

Brunswick Arts, Katie McCrory / Mary Barrington-Ward, email: maggies2@brunswickgroup.com or telephone 020 7936 1271 or mobile 07860 939193.

Regional enquiries:
Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres, Anna Marriott email anna.marriott@maggiescentres.org or telephone 0782 5362 097

Images and footage will be available via the Royal Rota.