Bloom, baby, bloom! Green-fingered Stanley care home residents put their gardening skills to the test

A care home in Stanley is up for a highly sought-after award thanks to residents and team members’ gardening skills being in full bloom. 

Care UK’s Stanley Park, on Wear Road, is taking part in the Northumbria-wide competition and hoping to bring home a gold award after judges took a look at the beautifully renovated garden, now even including a wildlife area.

 

Launched in 2014, the annual Northumbria in Bloom initiative invites local residents and organisations to create the most spectacular gardens, yards and planters.

As part of their entry, residents and colleagues worked together to maintain the ongoing project of the garden which has been grown with tender loving care over the course of eight years and includes a new wildlife section, complete with a bird house and botanic sculptures. The garden also boasts an impressive vegetable patch, and has fruit trees to be able to provide fresh produce for the kitchen and residents. 

To mark this year’s historic milestone, a jubilee section of the garden has also been created which has given the children from the local community lots of pleasure as they pass by. This area is also a great conversation starter for residents with fond memories from the Queen’s reign, providing an opportunity for them to reminisce – all while showcasing their gardening skills. 

Creations included a tranquillity garden, featuring impressive flower displays, as well as a rowing sailor surrounded by flower beds, and even a mock train station in the home’s garden, complete with vintage posters, suitcases and planters. 

Christine Dudley, Home Manager at Stanley Park, said: “We’re proud to have had judges come and see all of the love, hard work and creativity that has gone into making our garden a safe and calming area for residents and team members to enjoy. We have many green-fingered residents here at Stanley Park – seeing everyone get stuck in over summer has been lovely.

“Gardening itself has many therapeutic benefits for older people, especially those living with dementia, encouraging physical activity and also time spent outdoors, which can help to lower stress and anxiety levels.  

“We had a fantastic time putting together our displays, and it was great to hear residents’ memories of the jubilee and their own gardening stories from their younger years in the process too. We are looking forward to hearing the judges’ verdict of our newly spruced-up garden very soon.”

Stanley Park has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential and nursing care, as well as short-term respite. 

To find out more about Stanley Park, please contact Home Manager, Christine Dudley, on 01207 668587 or email christine.gibson@careuk.com.

For more general information, visit careuk.com/stanley-park.