The Walled Garden Perth - Not all Superheroes wear capes

ineshermioneart
May 28
8 min read

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the vital role green spaces play in supporting physical and mental wellbeing, particularly within healthcare settings. Gardens in and around hospitals and clinics offer more than aesthetic value—they provide measurable health benefits. Numerous studies have shown that patients who can see greenery from their hospital beds tend to recover faster, experience less pain, and require fewer medications than those with no view of nature. The presence of trees, plants, and gardens can lower stress, anxiety, and blood pressure, making them powerful complements to clinical care.

This connection between nature and healing has led to the emergence of practices like “green prescriptions,” where doctors encourage patients to spend time outdoors as part of their treatment plans. Concepts such as “forest bathing,” derived from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, have also gained popularity, promoting slow, mindful immersion in natural environments as a way to reduce cortisol levels and improve mood. As healthcare institutions increasingly incorporate therapeutic gardens and natural environments into their design, they reflect a deeper understanding that wellbeing extends beyond medicine—it is shaped by the environments we inhabit and our connection to the more-than-human world.

As I learnt more about the medical role of green spaces, something that is of particular interest to me, having spent years in the medical world working as a surgical and medical artist, I reached out to The Walled Garden in the grounds of the Murray Royal Hospital in Perth, and before I knew it, I was on my way to my third Walled Garden.

The Murray Royal Hospital was a former asylum, with a long history back to the early 1800s. In 1828 the hospital, originally named James Murray's Royal Lunatic Asylum, opened thanks to a bequest from James Murray, a local man; and despite there being a comprehensive history of the asylum, it is not clear what his motivation was for opening it in the first place. My assumption is that someone close to him suffered, and as mental health was taboo at the time they were helped under secrecy. Most of the old asylum has since been demolished or is now unoccupied. In 2012 the Murray Royal Hospital opened, a modern facility, including the Rohallion Secure Care Clinic replacing the original asylum buildings.

Pitcullen House (1810), originally known as Pitcullen Bank, which sits in the grounds of the hospital and was acquired in 1849 by the directors of James Murray's Royal Lunatic Asylum (now Murray Royal Hospital). Pitcullen House served various roles: initially rented to private tenants, then becoming the official residence of the asylum's physician superintendent in 1858. The property included over 7 acres of grounds, featuring parks, stables, and other outbuildings, including the kitchen and flower gardens which I was on my way to see. These grounds provided both produce and therapeutic activities for patients. In 1864, the house was sold, marking the end of its direct association with the asylum.

The walled garden is now operated by PKAVS, Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service Ltd in partnership with NHS Tayside, Perth and Kinross Council, amongst other charitable bodies and organisations to create a space that provides mental health and wellbeing support.

‘We support people (aged 16+) on their journey of recovery to lead healthy, active, inclusive, and connected lives, through a range of meaningful and skilled-based activities. We use an integrated care approach and work towards moving people into positive destinations by increasing resilience, confidence, and skills. We use horticulture in a therapeutic manner, as well as offering creative arts, physical and nutritional activity, woodwork, and food preparation engagement options.’

Open to the public on weekdays, the garden serves as a bridge between the community and those on their recovery journey. So on a sunny Monday in early May I hopped on the train from Edinburgh with my bike, snaking it’s way north to Perth. I had not spent much time in Perth, it’d always been somewhere I’d go on-route to somewhere else, taking the van north to the highlands, or passed on the way to work in Dundee.

I hop off the train and checking the directions on my phone one last time start weaving my way through the streets of Perth. I’m thrilled I didn’t check the elevation as I quickly realised my mental map was taking up the steepest hill for miles. Much steeper than the famously hilly streets of Edinburgh, it’s safe to say I was huffing and puffing and more than a little bit sweaty from the exertion and sun than I’d like to be to meet up with anyone, let alone a first impression.

I was thankful when my route took me off the main road and away from the queue of traffic that had been forming behind me to a private drive lined with trees. Welcoming the cool shade the trees provided, I hopped off my bike to stretch out my aching legs and take a breather before continuing up to introduce myself to Lyndsey the Activity Engagement Officer.

Hidden behind high stone walls lies the Walled Garden, the entrance is through a wee gate, left wide open for people to enter, above a beautiful handmade sign I later found out was made by one of the regular patients referred to the Garden.

I find Lyndsey, a lovely blonde middle-aged lady. Lyndsey is quite quiet and reserved at first but in no time at all her energy and passion for the garden started to come through. Lyndsey has been at the garden for seven years, combining horticultural knowledge with a passion for mental health support. She tells me that PKAVS has been managing the space for nearly 31 years, so it has become a lifeline for many in the community.

Built in 1810, the Garden’s, original purpose, like most Walled Gardens, was to provide for Pitcullen House, and while the walls are now listed, what flourishes inside them today is deeply contemporary. Lyndsey and her team have created a haven for mental health recovery, social connection, and environmental education. “Most people get a sense of calm when they walk through the gate,” Lyndsey reflects, a sentiment echoed by the birdsong that fills the air and the complete absence of city noise.

Lyndsey explains that the garden offers a structured four-week trial for new clients—self-referred or sent via other agencies—through a programme simply known as “the service.” It’s a flexible, needs-based model, with some people coming once a week, others as much as three times. Clients engage in gardening practices, learning about botany and ecology, working in teams and being taught how to use different tools, giving them experience and skills that expend beyond the walls of the Garden.

Clients even have personal plots, giving them agency over what they grow. “We deal with a lot of poverty,” Lyndsey explains. “If someone’s in need, we’ll try to help—but in a way that protects dignity.” She uses sharing and cooking sessions as a way to gently encourage clients to try new foods, without highlighting what they may not have at home.

But it’s not just about gardening. The team here offer numerous creative wellbeing activities—from drama, to art, woodwork and poetry— During my visit there’s a choir group that’s practicing in the art room; Miley Cyrus' Flowers echoed through the trees. No complaints here, great song-choice.

I’ve caught them at a busy time, the choir are practicing for their upcoming plant sale to raise money for the Garden, and there are clients and volunteers potting plants all over the place. I’m told that the annual plant sale and events are a huge part of their year, with themes decided by the clients. Lyndsey leads me round the busy grounds revealing its many layers: two large greenhouses, a rockery, a rose garden, a thriving polytunnel, and wide herbaceous borders teeming with pollinator-friendly plants. Fruit trees—apple, pear, cherry, quince—line the paths. Beds brim with vegetables from Jerusalem artichokes to redcurrants.

Remnants of past themes are evident through the Garden, including a dinosaur coming out of the wall of the café after their Jurassic Park year, and a brilliant signpost pointing in all directions for the ministry of magic and Hogwarts from when the theme was Harry Potter, they infuse the space with playfulness and imagination. This year’s theme is “Not All Superheroes Wear Capes”, Lyndsey proudly tells me she’s sorted a different costume for all seven of the days the events will run.

Everything here is done with thought and care—from organic gardening practices to the use of companion planting for pest control. They’re trialling no-dig methods to protect soil life and reduce their carbon footprint. Lyndsey dreams of building raised beds to improve accessibility, but that’s a funding bid for the future.

Further into the garden lies a quieter, hidden space—land recently acquired from the NHS through a community asset transfer. Here, nature is wilder, less managed, more intuitive. This is where Lyndsey’s vision of healing through nature truly flourishes. With funding from a nature restoration grant, they’ve created a large wildlife pond, home to two ducks—Donald and Daisy—who are quickly becoming local celebrities. The pond is private, a sacred place just for clients. “Nature plays a huge part in people’s lives,” Lyndsey says. “Some don’t respond well to other people, but they’ll respond to animals. I can get to know them that way.”

Other spaces also offer sanctuary. A small hut tucked into the corner of the garden becomes a sanctuary in itself. “Chilling and having a chat is important,” Lyndsey says. “Something as minor as a cuppa can make a huge difference.” Clients learn practical life skills here too—tidying, cleaning, organisation—all small steps toward bigger changes. “Many of our clients come from very chaotic lives,” she explains. “Structure can be transformative.”

I leave Lyndsey to explore by myself, monopolising her time for long enough, I make an effort to go and speak to some of the clients and volunteers that are working in the Garden. All will remain anonymous for their privacy and protection.

One client described the garden as a place that “adds structure to an otherwise chaotic life.” Another said it gave them a reason to get out of bed, and something to look forward to. They liked meeting people who in some way got what they were going through. One volunteer, who comes twice a week, said that they return because “you really see people grow though their engagement with the Garden” and with other individuals, be them clients, volunteers or even visitors. Another client said “It gives you a sense of worth to your own life,”. Another added: “I’m really proud of what I can now do.”, while another opened up further saying the garden had “literally saved (their) life”.

Perhaps the most beautiful reflection came from a long-term client:

“The walled garden is like a jigsaw puzzle. Every person is a different piece, and it doesn’t work if they’re alone. But when you start putting them together, you see how it all works.”

In this quietly powerful place, it’s easy to see that the garden grows more than just plants—it grows people, connection, resilience, and hope. Lyndsey’s deep love for the garden and the people in it is evident in every corner, and the dedicated team of volunteers who give their time and energy freely, allow Lyndsey to focus her attention on those who need it most.

The transformation of the walled garden from a private estate feature to a community-centered therapeutic space reflects the evolving approaches to mental health care and community engagement in Perth, and far more than a tranquil green space, the garden is a living, breathing sanctuary of support, growth, and connection that has evolved into a place where nature and nurture go hand in hand. Lyndsey and the team truly embody their theme this year... "not all superheroes wear capes".