Gardening builds friendships and strengthens bonds at Kenwith Castle

Residents at Kenwith Castle care home have been enjoying gardening activities that encourage friendship, gentle exercise and time outdoors.

Kenwith Castle, part of the not-for-profit charity Care South, provides residential, respite and dementia care at the home in Abbotsham. A dedicated activities team organises a daily programme of events, including crafts, live entertainment, games and baking, giving residents plenty of opportunities to spend time together.

One activity that always proves popular is the gardening club. Throughout the summer, residents have added flowers, fruit and vegetables to the raised beds in the garden and planted up balcony areas for everyone to enjoy. Now, as autumn arrives, they are putting bulbs in the ground ready for spring.

The sessions provide gentle exercise, with gardening activities requiring residents to do some gentle lifting, digging and stretching while chatting with friends, care home colleagues and visiting family members as they work. From sowing seeds and harvesting tomatoes to enjoying a cup of tea outdoors, there are plenty of ways to take part throughout the year.

Jo Passmore, Home Manager at Kenwith Castle, said: “Gardening is a wonderful way for residents to get together, enjoy the outdoors and take pride in what they have grown. It is lovely to see everyone getting involved, chatting and enjoying the garden as it changes through the seasons. At Kenwith Castle, we are always keen to encourage our residents to enjoy their shared interests together, which includes using the gardening skills and knowledge that they have honed over many years.”