Residents return to gardening club

A care home provider in Wales has revived its gardening club following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Residents at Pendine Park’s Penybryn and Bryn Bella homes have been busy growing their own fruit and vegetables, including tomatoes and potatoes.

Head gardener Andrew Jones said he is pleased to once again be leading the club.

“Not only are the grounds a pleasure to work on but I enjoy the chance to chat with the residents and get their take on the gardens, discover what they like and don’t like about raising plants and growing in general,” he revealed.

“I have even learned one or two cultivation tips from them as well as the other way round! It’s been a real pleasure for me leading our little gardening club over the years. I am glad it is back.”

Sarah Edwards, Pendine Park’s artist in residence, said residents had missed the club, which is often combined with arts and crafts classes.

She commented: “As well as planting young tomatoes into bigger pots, our residents have also been painting plant pots in an array of colourful patterns and colours to make them more vibrant.

“Despite this year’s unpredictable weather, it is great to have the gardening club up and running again albeit with social distancing restrictions still in place and protective masks on. The chance to get outside a little and back in touch with the world of nature is uplifting for us all.”

Both Penybryn and Bryn Bella provide specialist care for younger people.