Elderslie’s Garden Project Given Boost By Primary School Flower Donation

Green-fingered Residents at Elderslie received an unexpected boost to their ‘Advinia in Bloom’ efforts in May thanks to a kind donation of plants from their local primary school.

St. Mary’s Primary School in Paisley sent over some flowers for Residents to plant as a lovely gesture of community spirit.

Elderslie and St Mary’s have enjoyed regular visits for many years and built terrific intergenerational friendships between Residents and the children.

But due to the current restrictions, they haven’t been able to make in-person visits, so they sent over some floral gifts instead.

Activities Co-ordinator Catrina Gralko said that the gesture touched everyone at Elderslie.

Catrina said: “It’s very kind of our friends at St. Mary’s Primary to donate these plants.

“We’re all missing the children, and it’s great to know they are thinking of us.

“Now the weather has improved, we’ve been stepping up our gardening efforts, and Residents have been planting up our garden for ‘Advinia in Bloom’. It’s been great fun.”

The activities team make sure the garden sessions are inclusive by doing chair-based potting and pruning.

They’ve also got tyres to use as planters and the Residents have been painting them in bright colours.

Catrina added: “It’s good to see our plan taking shape – the Residents have loved being part of it.

“We hook up the outdoor speakers so they can listen to their favourite songs while we’re all out there.

“There’s nothing like the combination of rock n’ roll and gardening to make the afternoons go with a swing!”