Marian’s Community Courtyard opens at Dovehaven House in Southport in memory of much-loved resident

A garden created from a family’s simple act of kindness has officially opened at Dovehaven House in Southport, bringing together residents, colleagues, family and the local community to celebrate the life of much-loved former resident Marian.

Marian’s Community Courtyard was officially opened on Wednesday 26th August, with Ashley Dalton, MP for West Lancashire, joining Marian’s family, residents, colleagues and community supporters for the special occasion.

For Marian’s children, Brendan and Amanda, seeing the courtyard completed was an emotional moment.

Following their mum’s passing, the family donated a garden centre gift card to Dovehaven House, hoping it could be used to create something that residents could enjoy. That thoughtful gesture grew into a four-week project for Home Manager Laura and the team, who transformed an unused courtyard into a welcoming outdoor space.

Amanda returned to the home for the opening carrying a plant to add to the garden. She also planted some of her mum’s ashes in the courtyard, creating a deeply personal connection between Marian and the space that will now be enjoyed by residents for years to come.

During the opening, Amanda spoke about her mum and the special relationship she had with the team at Dovehaven House.

She described how much the staff had become like family to Marian, and how touched the family were by the love and care she received during her time at the home.

Amanda and Home Manager Laura then cut the ribbon together to officially open the courtyard, saying “This one’s for you, Mum.”

A garden with Marian at its heart

Marian was a true character at Dovehaven House. She had a personality that could never be ignored and was known for her firm opinions – particularly when it came to her crackers and her 7.30pm beer. She loved dancing, especially with her daughter Amanda, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of spending time with the people around her.

The team knew that Marian would have loved the new courtyard. There was something fitting about imagining her sitting outside with her evening beer, looking out over the flowers and enjoying the comfortable surroundings that have now been created in her memory.

Laura, Home Manager at Dovehaven House, said:

“It’s been really special to see this garden come together, but even more special to have Marian’s family here to open it with us. What started with a very kind gift from the family has become something that everyone at Dovehaven House can enjoy. Marian was such a character and she brought so much personality to the home, so it feels right that there is now a space here that keeps her memory alive. We’re so grateful to everyone who has helped us make it happen, and especially to Brendan and Amanda for trusting us with their mum’s gift and being part of the journey.”

A community project at Dovehaven House

The courtyard has been brought to life with the help of residents, colleagues and local businesses. Residents were involved from the start, sharing their ideas about what they felt was missing from the garden. They asked for more seating areas and dedicated spaces where they could enjoy gardening, helping the team shape the space around the things they would actually use and enjoy.

Once work got underway, residents got stuck in themselves, helping to plant flowers and plants and watching the courtyard take shape. It is now a space that truly belongs to them! Somewhere to sit and enjoy the sunshine, spend time with family and friends, get involved in gardening or simply enjoy the view.

Local businesses also supported the project, with Tesco, Asda and June’s Florist donating prizes for the fundraising raffle.

On the day of the opening, apetito also supported the event, with Paula from the team helping to provide a lunchtime spread for everyone to enjoy.

The celebration was accompanied by live music from singer Chris, while residents made the most of the sunshine and enjoyed seeing the finished courtyard filled with colour, comfortable seating and flowers.

For the residents who had watched the space develop over the previous weeks, seeing it completed was a chance to enjoy the result of their work together.

More than just a garden

The new courtyard has been designed as a space for residents, families and colleagues to spend time together. It provides somewhere to enjoy the fresh air, take part in activities, have a cup of tea, spend time with family and friends, or simply sit and enjoy the garden.

For Marian’s family, it is also a lasting reminder of their mum and the home where she was cared for.

What began with a garden centre gift card following Marian’s passing has become something much bigger: a space filled with flowers, memories and the people who knew and cared for her, and as the garden grows, so will the memories made there.

Visit Dovehaven House in Southport

Dovehaven House is a family-owned care home in Southport, providing residential and dementia care in a warm and welcoming environment.

The home offers a range of comfortable living spaces, activities and opportunities for residents to stay connected with the people and community around them.

If you are looking for residential or dementia care in Southport, the Dovehaven House team is available to answer questions, arrange a visit and help families understand their care options.

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