The people living at Aliwal Manor Care Home in Whittlesey have been sowing seeds and potting plants over the last few weeks as they look ahead to having a garden full of flowers this summer.
Residents of Aliwal Manor enjoy taking part in gardening activities, not only because many people have enjoyed this hobby throughout their lives, but because gardening activities encourage them to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and connect with nature. This in turn can have many positive benefits to a person's wellbeing, especially for people who live with dementia.
With spring starting to show its colours, the team at Aliwal Manor decided to host their first gardening club meeting of 2024. They invited existing club members and new residents to join them in sowing seeds and potting plants. Everyone enjoyed getting their hands dirty and sharing connected memories from the past.
One of the gardening club's male members was a farmer by trade, so being involved in the gardening club helps to bring back lots of cherished memories, and all the group members appreciate his knowledge of everything that grows.
Throughout the session, the gardening club members also spoke about their visions for the garden this summer and how they want it bursting with bright colourful flowers. They have big plans, so each week, they will continue planting seeds and flowers until the garden is full!
With the gardening club back in action and the weather warming, residents will be spending more time outside and watching their garden bloom in time for summer!