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Together We Grow At Home project with seeds sent to care home residents
Gardening improves Care Home residents' physical and mental wellbeing
Team Fans has been working with Together We Grow and the community volunteers of Big Friendly Gardeners to share the pleasure of planting and growing over the Spring months. Many of our residents were avid gardeners and really enjoyed getting their hands dirty again! This opportunity was so popular in keeping resdients in over 20 Care Homes in North Essex and rural Care Homes in the Maldon district actively engaged and enjoying nature. The photos really tell the story!
Together We Grow is a Community Interest Company which focusses on issues such as health & wellbeing, the benefits of the natural environment and the importance of bringing the community together. This scheme built on Together We Grow’s strong track record as a horticultural social enterprise to improve physical and mental wellbeing, the interests in gardening identified through the FaNs Wishing Washing Line and our Charity's expertise in enabling care home residents to engage with a community organisation. Seeds and compost were provided by Perrywood Garden Centre.
Anne, one of the fabulous volunteers from Together We Grow At Home 2021 worked hard to ensure the growing packs were ready for local care home residents. Some of the local Colchester seed deliveries were done by Lee on his electric bike.
Seed & growing packs were distributed to participants in March through to May. For those with more limited mobility in hands we used Seed Cell kits with seeds within a compostable cell which can be directly planted. Compost bags were also provided to go along with these kits which included seeds for: Salad Patch; Pizza Topper; Veg Patch; Herb Garden
The seeds offered could be grown in containers on a windowsill, with full instructions and support available. There was also an opportunity to join Zoom meetings and a WhatsApp group. It was hoped hope that participants would also be able to develop their skills at the Together We Grow site in High Woods Country Park, culminating in a community event in the autumn. However, these aspects of the scheme were put on hold due to the Covid restrictions this year.
Thanks to Wayne, Anne, Lee and everyone on the team, SeedCell and Perrywood Garden Centre for their help and support.