Care home residents use their green fingers to compete for best garden

Care homes across the country marked National Gardening Week last week by encouraging residents to work together to spruce up their outdoor space.

Article Source: Issued by BIG Partnership on behalf of Renaissance Care
Last Updated: 4 May 2021 11:08

Renaissance Care Group organised a gardening competition between its 15 care homes, tasking residents, staff and relatives alike with transforming an area of the home’s garden or entrance way into something bright and cheerful.

With warmer months on the horizon, Renaissance Care initiated the competition to celebrate the enormous benefits which nature and the great outdoors can bring to health and wellbeing. It is hoped that residents and their families will be able to enjoy the fruits of the participant’s labour as restrictions are gradually eased and guests are welcomed back.

Green fingered staff, residents, and their families, battled it out to be crowned ‘best transformation’, ‘greatest resident engagement’, ‘greatest community engagement’ and ‘greatest resident inclusion and creativity’, with Beech Manor, Meadowlark, Whitecraigs and Jesmond being named the winners this weekend.

Beech Manor in Blairgowrie revitalised their entrance with the addition of a donated bench in tribute to a former resident, while local children who used to visit from a nearby primary school painted stones to add a pop of colour. Staff made sure to include residents with all interests and skills by arranging painting sessions of owl ornaments while others helped arrange plants outside.

Meadowlark, based in Forres, created a mini croft where residents are growing root vegetables to be used for a warming soup later this year, while Jesmond Care Home fashioned a seating area where the wildlife can be seen enjoying newly added bird feeders. Whitecraigs, winning ‘greatest community engagement’, called for the local community to join them in decorating their entrance area, with local school children joining to create a fairy garden for all visitors to enjoy.

Other entries included Edinburgh based Mathieson House, which had keen horticulturalists potting plants and planting seeds to enjoy later in the year, with plans for a competition between residents for the tallest sunflower, while Glasgow’s Rosepark Care Home beautified their balcony area with blossoming flowers.

While current restrictions continue to limit visitors and community activities, Renaissance Care’s competition has seen creativity and resident participation bloom in its homes.

Many of the residents have been teaching the staff and relatives a thing or two about keeping their gardens in tip-top shape. Aberdeen care home resident, Elsie Connell, aged 86, offered tips and tricks to help other budding gardeners get started.

Elsie said: “I have always loved gardening, so I was very excited to get my hands dirty with this competition. I would recommend regular weeding to keep your garden nice and tidy. When watering plants, make sure to aim for the soil rather than the leaves and flowers, as this can damage them when the sun hits. Finally, it’s important to always use good quality soil, with stones or rocks at the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.”

Kirstene Feenan, Marketing and Communications Manager, said: “At Renaissance Care, we always work hard to come up with creative activities that our residents will enjoy and benefit from. Each of the care homes have had great fun entering the competition, as well as learning and sharing new skills - the gardens have never looked more loved.

“We wanted to create the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones so we are so pleased to see this competition has enabled friends and family to enjoy some quality time with residents. Those who did not take part in the gardening have commented on how nice it has been to see happy people around the home once more.”

Image: Elsie Connell proudly shows off her hard work at Jesmond Care Home.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

The Main Course: Serving Up a Slice of Italy in the Heart of Gullane this Christmas

Planning a Christmas lunch with colleagues, a family gathering or a relaxed night out with friends? The Main Course offers comfort, warmth and a menu that brings people back year after year.

Hamish Hawk commission comes to life with Edinburgh International Book Festival first ever record release

Edinburgh International Book Festival today announces that Life in a Scotch Sitting-room, Vol. 0, a limited-edition LP by Scottish indie songwriter Hamish Hawk, will be released on 5th December.

SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh unveils New Years Eve event and festive offering

This festive season, SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh is elevating its celebrations with two unforgettable experiences that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.

Vault City launches festive, Quaffable Treats, beer box inspired by Christmas chocolate tins

An Edinburgh brewery has created the 'perfect gift' for beer lovers this Christmas, inspired by the chocolates people hunt for first in the tin.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers headline free weekend of celebrations with Christmas ceilidh and market

The Ross Bandstand sparked festivities on Sunday with its opening Light Night Concert, and now has a jam-packed Scottish weekend in store of free events in honour of St Andrew's Day.

Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience

This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Leading the charge! Edinburgh car retailer hosts electric vehicle experience

John Clark Volvo Edinburgh is celebrating after its first EV Customer Experience Evening was a success with local drivers.

Six of the Best: Iconic concerts that rocked Murrayfield as the famous stadium turns 100

Scottish Gas Murrayfield has hosted some of the biggest shows Scotland has ever seen – and fans have had their say on the standouts.

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style

Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public!

Heather On The Hill Festival Announced

Edinburgh Summer Sessions is delighted to announce Heather On The Hill Festival, a brand-new family-focused one day festival taking place at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 22 August.

The Vittoria Group Launches Black Friday Offer

With Black Friday just a week away, the family run Vittoria Group is launching one of Edinburgh’s biggest, and most giftable, foodie offers with 50% off vouchers across all venues.

Free sweets at brand new Edinburgh store opening this weekend

Sweet lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy a free treat on Saturday 22nd November, as Ambala opens its brand-new store on Gorgie Road.

United Airlines Celebrates Girls in Aviation Day at Edinburgh Airport

United Airlines inspires girls to pursue careers in aviation by opening the doors to their operation at Edinburgh Airport.

Christmas arrives at The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.

Celebrate the Festive Season with Caorunn Gin at the St James Quarter

Caorunn, the award-winning small batch gin from the Scottish Highlands, has unveiled an exclusive festive pop-up stand at St James Quarter Edinburgh, running until 31st December 2025.

BBC Cbeebies starts the Panto Season at Edinburgh Cinemas

Now a festive family tradition, the CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from Friday 21st November.

Scottish rugby stars to ignite Edinburgh Castle this Friday at Castle of Light: Fire & Ice

Edinburgh Castle is set to shine this Friday (21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice.

Celebrate The Autumn Internationals at The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh

As the Rugby Autumn Internationals take centre stage across the UK and Ireland, The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh is serving up a winning special worthy of champions.

Spotlight shines on the first shows announced for redeveloped Kings Theatre

The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.

Four Major International Performances Go on Sale for Edinburgh International Festival 2026

Following a record number of sold-out performances in 2025, audiences can book early for what promise to be must-see performances in 2026!

Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts

Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.

Find a Festive Backdrop in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife

From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady announced its Christmas 2025 programme

The award-winnng Leddie Hotel in Aberlady has announced its Christmas 2025 programme, bringing together creative workshops, family experiences, live music and seasonal dining.

Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes

Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.

Edinburgh Open Workshop Unveils An Exciting New Course Line Up for 2026

Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.

Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the season of giving

Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.