The Bridgerton Garden, inspired by the lavish sets of the Netflix series and winner of a Silver medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, has officially opened in its new permanent home at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH).
Nestled between the Rosie and Addenbrooke’s hospitals, the garden was unveiled in a celebratory event attended by staff, patients, and volunteers. Designer Holly Johnston, who led the garden’s transformation, cut the ribbon alongside CUH’s director of corporate affairs, Ian Walker, to mark the opening. The event featured a live performance from Britten Sinfonia, who filled the garden with music from the beloved Bridgerton series.
Originally created for the Chelsea Flower Show, the garden has been thoughtfully reimagined to serve as a therapeutic space for the hospital community. Nearly every element of the original garden — including its elegant moongate, water feature, and carved stone sculpture — has been sustainably repurposed.
Lorraine Szeremeta, CUH’s Chief Nurse, highlighted the importance of outdoor spaces in recovery and wellbeing, calling the Bridgerton Garden a “beautiful environment within the heart of the hospital grounds.”
Designed for Calm, Connection, and Accessibility
Beyond its visual appeal, the garden prioritises accessibility and sustainability. Johnston adapted the design with wider pathways, gentle slopes, and low-maintenance planting to ensure it can be enjoyed by everyone, including wheelchair users.
“It’s an enormous privilege to know this garden will continue to support healing,” Johnston said. “It tells a story of growth and connection — now rooted here in Cambridge.”
The project was made possible through a collaboration between CUH, Netflix, Shondaland, Stewart Landscapes, and WT Partnership. The garden’s care will be overseen by CUH’s grounds supervisor Stephen Chandler, with plans to involve local volunteers in its upkeep, including an annual spring bulb planting.
The Bridgerton Garden is open daily to patients, staff, and visitors, providing a permanent oasis of calm within the bustle of hospital life.
