A resident at Kilburn Care Home in Belper has been enjoying the rewards of a much-loved hobby after helping to grow a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Stanley Wright, who has always had a passion for gardening, has been supported by the team at the Aurem Care home to spend time outdoors tending to the garden. His dedication paid off with a healthy harvest of tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers and salad vegetables.
One of the highlights was seeing Stanley proudly holding freshly picked strawberries and a cucumber before some of the homegrown produce was prepared and enjoyed as part of a fresh salad enjoyed by fellow residents.
As well as providing delicious ingredients, the gardening project has brought a range of wellbeing benefits. Spending time outdoors, taking part in gentle physical activity and nurturing the plants has given Stanley a real sense of purpose and achievement while allowing him to continue his lifelong interest.
The home plans to continue involving Stanley and other residents in planting, caring for and harvesting produce throughout the seasons, helping more people experience the therapeutic benefits of gardening.
Kat Townsend, home manager at Kilburn Care Home, said: “It was wonderful to see Stanley enjoying something he loves and taking such pride in what had been grown. The garden has brought real smiles and a lovely sense of achievement. It’s been fantastic to watch his confidence and enjoyment grow alongside the fruit and vegetables, and we’re looking forward to involving even more residents in future gardening projects.”
Stanley said: “I love gardening. It was lovely to see everything we had grown and to enjoy the fresh produce.”
