A TV garden designer has transformed the outdoor space of a residential home for children and teenagers at Exmouth's Deaf Academy.
Matt Leigh of ITV's Love Your Garden gave his time and expertise free of charge to make over the overgrown garden at Rolle House. He was helped by his team from the Feel Good Garden Crew, along with volunteers and students from the Deaf Academy.
In just four days they created a sensory trail and installed a sunken trampoline, pull-up bars and seating for socialising.
Matt, who is based in Topsham, said: “Myself and the rest of the Feel Good Garden Crew were delighted to build the Deaf Academy’s garden. We believe gardens and the outdoors can be incredibly therapeutic, offering a place for people to relax and in this case, for children to be children and have a safe place to play.”
Connie Webb, deputy manager of Rolle House, said: “We have been so lucky to have such a beautiful transformation for our young people at Rolle House. Matt and his team are passionate about the positive effects that connecting with nature can have on wellbeing and we are so grateful that they decided to dedicate their time and skills to our charity.”
Matt has worked on several award-winning gardens, including the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show.
Every year his team dedicates its time to a small number of selected charities, renovating their outdoor spaces and promoting positive wellbeing in nature.
Rolle House cares for Deaf young people aged nine to 17, and its high standards were recently recognised with an 'outstanding' rating from Ofsted.
The full transformation of the Rolle House garden can be viewed on the YouTube channel the ‘feelgoodgardencrew’.
Anyone can nominate a person or organisation for a garden makeover by emailing nominate@thefeelgoodgardencrew.co.uk
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