All Aboard Team Newcarron’s ‘Advinia In Bloom’ Project

An abandoned boat has been given a new lease of life at Newcarron Court as part of the Home’s ‘Advinia in Bloom’ entry.

The vessel was originally donated by the family of a Resident called Mrs Ogden years ago and was looking a little tired and overgrown.

However, Activities Co-ordinator Hazel Phillips saw the boat’s potential and decided to transform it into a quirky garden feature.

She asked Resident Colin, a keen gardener and the driving force behind Newcarron Court’s ‘Advinia in Bloom’ entry, for his thoughts.

Hazel said: “I knew the boat would look great with a lick of paint and some TLC.

“But I wasn’t sure what plants would work best. Thankfully, Colin had the answer and recommended that we put alpines in as they are low maintenance and high impact.

“We’re planning to call the boat ‘Duck Island’ and encourage people to donate ducks to display alongside the plants. It’s going to look terrific.”

‘Duck Island’ is situated at Newcarron’s dementia unit, where Residents will be able to enjoy the bright colours and sensory impact of the feature.

The family of Resident Betty, whose room is close to ‘Duck Island’, have donated a whole box of alpines to be planted in the boat.

Elsewhere, Colin has been leading other parts of the horticultural project by establishing vegetable gardens where carrots, beetroot, potatoes and other produce is grown.

Sunflowers have also been planted, and Colin was delighted when a visitor donated an apple tree to the Home.

Hazel added: “Now the restrictions are lifting, and the Residents can spend plenty of time outside, it’s great to have this project to get stuck into.

“We’ve been able to get everyone involved by thinking outside the box. The Residents who remain in bed have been helping by potting up sunflowers in their rooms and growing them indoors until they are ready to be established outside.

“It’s been terrific to see the gardens take shape and, thanks to Colin’s expertise, we have high hopes for our ‘Advinia in Bloom’ entry.