Passionate green thumbs at AnglicareSA’s Westbourne Park Residential Aged Care home have gathered to share their thoughts on what they would like to see in their shared garden and green spaces, as part of a new initiative to enhance outdoor spaces.

Customer Wellness Coordinator, Jennifer Pilling, said residents were eager to be included in the process.

“The garden is an extension of the home, and the residents were excited to think about what was possible and what they would enjoy,” she said.

Jennifer said the Westbourne Park team was looking for garden enhancements that looked nice, stayed on budget, and provided residents with a sensory experience.

It is a big project, which is why the team brought on board a familiar face, South Australian gardening media identity and respected rose expert, Kim Syrus.

 

“I love talking about gardens and gardening, so it wasn’t a hard stretch for me to drop in and meet a group of passionate gardeners who want the best out of their green spaces,”

Kim said.

 

“It’s certainly grown beautifully.”

From his walk through the indoor and outdoor garden spaces and discussions with residents, Kim said they were looking for homely touches in the shared gardens.

Kim said quick and simple enhancements could be implemented to add interest in the garden, including raised garden beds and coloured plants like azaleas and roses.

One person particularly excited about the possibilities is keen gardener and resident Kathleen, who wants to see garden spaces become more accessible.

“I would love to see the gardens become common areas that bring people together, not just among residents, but with their families that visit too,” she said.

It’s no secret that gardening has many benefits for older people, including boosting cognitive function and mood, but Jennifer said it also had a key part of making a space feel like home.

“We often underestimate the calming effect gardens have,” she said.

“They have so many mental and physical health benefits, but it’s also a way to connect with others and feel at home in a space.

”We encourage residents to enjoy nature and eat meals or visit family and friends in green spaces. The Customer Wellness team has even run meditation activities in the indoor atrium.”

The team at Westbourne Park was thankful for Kim’s expertise and hoped to implement some of the suggested changes early next year.