Seeing something grow and thrive from seeds or cuttings you have sown or planted is a joy and something to celebrate in National Gardening Week (29 April to 5 May).
The awareness campaign by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) highlights the positive difference gardens and gardening can make to people’s lives and has our support. We regularly see the benefits with the success of Gardening Clubs in our Nursing Homes.
Socialising and Learning
Residents are encouraged to join in to rekindle their passion for plants in a nurturing and social atmosphere. Whether experienced gardeners or not, the clubs provide an opportunity to brush up on existing skills and develop new ones at their own pace.
Planting fruit and vegetables or beautiful blooms in pots is accessible even for those with limited mobility. It can be done indoors if the weather is not encouraging and outside when the sun shines.
Whether growing something edible like strawberries or herbs, or choosing plants purely for their beauty, the Gardening Clubs are a popular feature of our Homes’ social life.
Keeping Fit and Healthy
They help recall memories, bring people together, spark conversations and provide exercise in a relaxed and fun setting. Our Social Life Co-Ordinators organise the clubs but encourage input from residents to keep them fun and inclusive.
Keeping the mind and body active in later life is important and doing it in a way that celebrates the wonder of nature is a bonus.
Gardening is good for our health and wellbeing and can be embraced at any age.
It certainly plays its part in our approach, helingp people to live the best life possible and maintain their sense of independence.
