The joy of outdoor space serves Red Homes residents on all kinds of levels. There are those who are happy to look at our beautiful gardens from the comfort of the indoors.
Others might like to walk outside or sit and chat al fresco when the weather is kinder. Then there are those who are happy to help choose the planting schemes with our energetic team of committed gardeners who love to get hands-on in the soil.
Co-ordinator Charlotte, from Red Rose Care Community said:
“Our residents really benefit from the outdoor space we have here – from the raised beds and planting to patio areas and flower beds. We have lots of keen gardeners and they enjoy sharing their years of knowledge with residents who might be new to it”.
There’s no doubting the many benefits of being outdoors in nature – which is why it’s so important at each of our Red Homes.
Continuing skills
The thought of giving up a much-loved garden is completely offset by the ability to continue to be involved at Red Homes. Being able to participate, offer ideas for planting schemes and physically garden are all options. One of our residents, Pearl, brought her rose bushes with her when she moved to Red Roofs. They are thriving (both Pearl and the roses!) and much admired by her friends and visitors. Pearl also creates colourful hanging baskets for the home and generously shares her skills with others.
Manager Trish Smith noted the importance of residents being able to continue lifelong hobbies and also learn new things – with gardening being a favourite pastime for many. She said: “Pearl is a shining example of everything that makes Red Roofs Residential Home so special. We are passionate about finding out what makes our residents engaged and happy. Red Roofs is all about feeling right at home – so these kinds of experiences make it even more personal and special.”
Socialising and working together
Coming together over a shared interest is really good for our residents’ sense of community and provides a seasonal, ongoing purpose for their endeavours. The gardens are also a haven for outdoor activities – and a place to enjoy a cuppa and fresh air with friends, family and visitors. The Gardening Club has been in existence at Red Rose Care Community for over forty years.
Exercising
Planting, weeding, digging and mowing offer rewarding and practical ways to keep fit. The gardens at Red Homes invite people to spend time outdoors, taking walks and observing nature. Much of the exercising is done without anyone even realising it!
Mood boosting
Gardening activities can reduce stress and low mood whilst increasing self-esteem, happiness levels and wellbeing. Treating ourselves to small doses of nature (and its beneficial Vitamin D), with even as little as five minutes outside, has been found to improve general mental health in older people.
Encouraging creativity
For many residents, gardening is also an activity they can share with family members. Resident Joan has always loved spring flowers so regularly decorates her room with them, even inspiring a spring flower display in the corridors. Her daughter Tania has now created a fairy flower garden in tubs outside her window so Joan can see them bloom each year.
Something for everyone
For a different kind of curtain twitching, homemade bird feeders allow residents to spot all kinds of garden birds, including regularly visiting chaffinches and robins. Importantly they can get involved from inside or outdoors, as they prefer.
Top gardening tips from Red Homes residents…
Cynthia “March is the time to get your veg patches ready and start cutting your grass. Don’t cut the grass too low though just yet, just take the top off for healthy growth throughout the year”.
Brenda “It is too early to guarantee warmer weather just yet. March is still too early to put bedding plants in as the frost will harm them”.
Enid “Do not overwater your shrubs and plants once planted, you can do as much damage over watering as you can underwatering!’
Maureen “Natural pest sprays are just as effective as more heavily chemical laden varieties. I’ve only ever used environmentally friendly bug spray. It does the trick and is kinder to the planet.”
