Goldielea Care Home Residents Transform Garden with Help from Local Community

Residents at Goldielea Care Home have been busy bringing new life to their garden, thanks to a community-inspired project that began with a simple idea: to make their outdoor space more colourful and enjoyable for all.

During a residents’ meeting last year, the idea to refresh and brighten the garden was unanimously embraced. Determined to bring the plan to life, the home reached out to the local community – and the response was heart-warming.

Donated seeds began arriving, and the local Men’s Shed stepped in to build custom-made, lightweight planters that are easy for residents to lift and use on tables. Created by volunteer Dave, the planters were soon filled with compost – purchased from the residents’ fund – and planted by Goldielea’s dedicated gardening club with bulbs and perennials set to bloom year after year.

Volunteers from NWCC Campus added another splash of colour by painting the fences and a bench, which residents chose to be green so their flowers would pop even more. A new sunshade has also been added, creating a welcoming space where residents have already spent several sunny afternoons.

“It’s so lovely outside now,” one resident shared. “You can sit and hear the birds singing.”

Others spoke fondly of their connection to gardening: “I used to have a big garden and I miss it – doing this really makes me happy.”

With more volunteer support on the way, including plans to paint additional furniture and a garden centre outing for members of the club, the transformation continues – and spirits are blooming just like the flowers.