Residents at Friends of the Elderly’s Malvern-based Davenham, Perrins House and Bradbury Court, our residential, nursing and dementia care homes which are collectively known as Friends of the Elderly Malvern, have been getting their hands dirty, and their nimble green fingers going as The Gardening Club opens for the 2025 season.
The Gardening Club, now in its second year, meets every month, increasing to twice a month in the summer. “The Gardening Club is very popular with the residents and also relatives,”said Laura Smith, the Activities Coordinator at Bradbury Court. “Last year, nearly all of the residents got involved and the room was full at each session; so this year we decided to split into two groups. For our first Club meeting, one group had five residents and two relatives, and the second group had six residents and one relative taking part.”
To get the gardening season underway, The Gardening Club wasted no time in getting their hands dirty by planting some herbs and house plants. “We planted six different types of herbs and some Mimosa Pudica which are also known as the Dancing Plant, so fun for the residents to watch. We then planted some Cat Nip in honour of our resident cats who live at Perrins House and finally, each care home planted their own Calla Lily bulb,” continued Laura.
A garden and gardening can help inspire older people, and also those who are living with dementia by socialising and connecting with others to create a shared experience,” added Jo Bennett, the General Manager of Friends of the Elderly Malvern.
“Taking part in our Gardening Club is a gentle, physical activity which can stimulate the senses and evoke memories, all of which can greatly improve a person’s wellbeing. Gardening also improves the residents’ mental and physical health by keeping them active. It also helps the residents who are living with dementia to relax.”
Di Staite, who has been a resident at Bradbury Court since July 2021 and her Husband, Robin love being part of The Gardening Club. “Di was always in our garden, pottering, planting and pruning,” said Robin. “Now Di lives at Friends of the Elderly Malvern, our flower garden doesn’t look anywhere near as lovely. I’ll have to pinch a few tricks of the trade from The Gardening Club to try out at home.”
The beautiful, enclosed garden at Bradbury Court will play host to the residents’ annual Sunflower Growing Competition. “As well as Sunflowers, we’re going to give growing some fruit and vegetables a try,” added Laura. “We are thinking of starting with Tomatoes, Potatoes and Strawberries. We tried growing Strawberries last year, but caterpillars and snails feasted on them. We’ve learnt from our mistakes and hope to be able to enjoy our home grown Strawberries – with some cream of course – this year.”
The Gardening Club members are keen to get outside to enjoy the gardens. “Once the weather gets warmer, being in The Gardening Club is a great excuse to get outside and make the most of the sunshine,” continued Laura. “The Club members are looking forward to more planting, watering and pruning. We will also be getting the paint brushes out as we are planning on using an old pallet for our Herb Garden which we’ll paint with the residents.”
“The residents never cease to amaze us. At the first Gardening Club meeting, whilst the residents and relatives were busy planting and chatting together, one of the residents told us that in India and The Philippines, the root of the pretty pink and purple pompon flowers of the Mimosa Pudica were used in traditional remedies for the treatment of biliousness, leprosy, dysentery and asthma. The residents really do teach us something new every week,” concluded Jo.
Find out more about Friends of the Elderly Malvern by calling 01905 388 720 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.