Mountbatten's Oak Garden Revitalised In Memory Of Much-Loved Island Horticulturist

A special garden at Mountbatten Isle of Wight has been given a new lease of life thanks to support from the Ventnor Friends of Wight Horticulture and the efforts of a local landscaping team.

The charity's Oak Garden has been transformed as a lasting tribute to respected Island horticulturist Simon Goodenough, who died in Mountbatten's care in 2025.

Funding for the project was provided by the Ventnor Friends of Wight Horticulture, marking the group's first major initiative since expanding its charitable objectives.

Simon, who founded the Friends group and was formerly curator of Ventnor Botanic Garden, originally designed and laid out the Oak Garden for patients staying on Mountbatten's inpatient unit.

Years later, the courtyard-style space was in need of refurbishment, with the restoration project carried out by Isle of Wight-based C.A.R. Gardens.

The redesign was created by the company's office manager, Rob Mew, who drew inspiration from a deeply personal connection to Mountbatten. In 2025, Rob's wife, Tracey, received care at the hospice in a room overlooking the Oak Garden.

During their time there, the couple became particularly fond of a yellow rose visible from the room, which became a cherished focal point for them both.

Wanting to honour Tracey's memory, Rob's design retained the much-loved rose while creating new focal points for patients and families looking out onto the garden.

The refreshed layout introduces colour and seasonal interest throughout the year while remaining sympathetic to Simon's original vision.

The peaceful courtyard remains centred around its mature oak tree, with the surrounding planting redesigned to provide year-round interest as the garden continues to mature.

As part of the project, the Ventnor Friends of Wight Horticulture have also planted a tree in Simon's memory.

Chosen with guidance from his wife, Debs, the tree reflects Simon's expertise in New Zealand flora and was kindly donated by Burncoose Nurseries in Cornwall.

The revitalised Oak Garden now stands as a lasting tribute to both Simon and Tracey, while continuing to provide a peaceful and reflective space for patients, families and visitors at Mountbatten.