AN OSWESTRY gardening star of the future who helps craft designs at a local hospital has had a taste of the limelight after attending the greatest of all flower shows.

Youth volunteer Olivia Copley has devoted many hours of her time creating garden designs at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, in Gobowen, for the dedicated children’s unit, Alice Ward.

Olivia, 18, is currently studying for her Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) diploma, as well as completing a garden and planting design certificate prior to going to the University of Sheffield in September to gain a degree in landscape architecture.

As a dedicated gardener, Olivia was thrilled to be able to attend the Chelsea Flower Show this year and meet so many of her gardening heroes.

She was then featured on the BBC RHS Chelsea Flower Show coverage with TV presenters Angelica Bell, Nicky Chapman and being able to ask a question of gardening guru Carol Klein.

Olivia said: “It was so exciting to attend Chelsea and to speak to so many incredible gardeners who have inspired me.

"I have certainly come away with lots of ideas and encouragement to make the garden on Alice Ward incredible.”

The beautifully designed garden will see the introduction of many therapeutic features, including a covered canopy, woodland walk, bridge, vegetable patch, hornbeam trail, garden room and moon arches.

Each carefully considered design feature provides a wealth of benefits to patients and families, from tranquil spots to observe nature, to rehabilitation zones and secluded weatherproof areas to host outdoor games and learning.

Victoria Sugden, RJAH Charity director, admitted she was delighted for Olivia and predicted a bright future for the horticulturalist.

She added: “We are so lucky to have a young, talented garden designer take on this project.

"We are sure that Olivia has many great things ahead of her and no doubt will be exhibiting in the future at Chelsea.

“Olivia has really immersed herself in what would work for our patients best and we are so grateful to her.”

Olivia appeared on the daily round-up show on the BBC on riday, May 27 and you can see her on from 38:23, at www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0017p5l/rhs-chelsea-flower-show-2022-episode-10

Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the garden, please visit the dedicated fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/gardenforalice