The Stroke Association has linked up with garden centre firm Dobbies to create an online digital garden, where charity supporters and stroke survivors can donate to the charity by “planting symbolic flowers and trees”.

They can also select “a plaque” to dedicate” to a family member or friend who has had a stroke.

Dobbies, which is sponsoring the garden, has 77 stores UK wide and employs 3,800 people.

Its chief executive David Robinson said: “Dobbies has collaborated with the Stroke Association for a number of years as gardening is known to help support people rehabilitating from stroke, as well as improve overall health and wellbeing.

“Their Strength in Bloom virtual garden is a really inclusive way for everyone to experience the joy of gardens and garden living, and we’re super proud to be involved.”

The charity says this is the first time such an initiative has been used in the charity sector.

The digital fundraising initiative has been developed following the Stroke Association’s first garden at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show this year. At the event its ‘garden for recovery’ was created to support stroke survivors in their recovery.

It was created by landscape designer Miria Harris, who is a stroke survivor. Following the RHS event her garden has been reconfigured and moved to a permanent location near to the stroke unit at Chapel Allerton Hospital in Leeds.

The virtualStrength in Bloom garden, has incorporated elements of this real-life garden to include “calming elements”. It also includes sound “to enhance the sensory aspect”.

It is hoped the virtual garden will be visited “for years to come” by charity supporters looking to plant digital flowers and trees or dedicate a plaque, says the Stroke Association.

“Our first ever virtual garden, Strength in Bloom, is a digital haven filled with the healing power of nature,” said Stroke Association chief executive Juliet Bouverie.

“We’re asking people to dedicate a symbolic flower, tree or plaque to celebrate the resilience of a stroke survivor or honour the memory of a loved one lost to stroke.

“Inspired by our Garden for Recovery at the 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we hope people can share stories of strength, find a sense of tranquillity and reach a community from anywhere in the world.

“Our digital garden will help us to achieve our ambitious new goal; to reach everyone with stroke support as quickly as possible after their stroke, while also creating a beautiful, lasting legacy.”

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