The healing power of gardening

Research has shown that gardening is an activity that promotes overall health and quality of life, physical strength, fitness and flexibility, cognitive ability and socialisation. Tending to plants, watching them grow, and reaping the rewards of flowers and fruit all contribute to a profound sense of empowerment and wellbeing. This is particularly important during these stressful times. Many of our care communities have gardens where residents can continue their life-long love of gardening or discover a new passion and learn new skills. As well as ornamental plants, all sorts of vegetables and herbs are grown, harvested and put to great use by our chefs in their delicious daily menus. Our gardens serve many purposes – a place for residents to relax, therapeutic spaces for our residents living with dementia, a source of fresh food for our homes, adding light and fresh air and creating a sense of deep satisfaction for our residents and team. While we are practising social distancing, our residents continue to grow their personal connections through gardening together and this is contributing to an individual sense of joy and fulfilment, as well as creating a stronger community in our care communities. Indoor gardening is a wonderful activity when the weather is less than favourable. Kimiko from North Lakes Terrace has always grown plants and orchids. She also loves to have plants in her room. Betty from Murdoch Gardens has always loved gardening and recently enjoyed planting mini succulents into planter boxes for everyone to enjoy. Valmae (photo above) has recently moved into Berrinba Greens and has joined our home’s walking group. Valmae is overwhelmed by our beautiful garden and says it is a place where she loves to sit and reminisce.

We are blessed to have such a wonderful garden. I do love nature, scenic places, garden and plants.

Kimiko & Betty Gardening