Chalkwell Grange, part of the Sanders Senior Living group, recently celebrated the fruits of their labour with a successful tomato harvest. As part of the home’s ongoing ‘You Said, We Did’ initiative, two raised garden trugs were purchased in June to allow residents to plant and nurture their own fruits and vegetables. This initiative has been a great success, with residents enjoying the entire growing process from seed to harvest.
The tomatoes, planted in June, were carefully tended by members of the home’s gardening club, who watered and nurtured the plants throughout the summer months. By August and September, residents were reaping the rewards of their hard work, enjoying fresh, home-grown tomatoes.
This hands-on project has been a rewarding experience for many at Chalkwell Grange, offering a chance for residents to engage with nature and enjoy the satisfaction of growing their own food. For those who participated in the gardening club, it wasn’t just about the end result but the entire process of watching their plants thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.
Brenda, a resident and former garden nursery worker, was particularly enthusiastic about the initiative:
“For nine years, I was employed at a Birmingham Garden Nursery. I also grew many varieties of tomatoes in my greenhouse. I was overjoyed to hear we were growing tomatoes at Chalkwell Grange. I went to the garden centre to help choose the best ones for our home. I then helped to plant them, and I assisted the other residents to make sure they were planted correctly. We raised four bowls of various tomatoes in all. Some went to the kitchen to make some tasty meals. The planters we had were brilliant, they were at a great height for our residents in wheelchairs. No one was left out.”
This wonderful gardening experience at Chalkwell Grange has not only fostered a sense of community and accomplishment but also provided a healthy, home-grown addition to the residents’ meals. The team looks forward to continuing this initiative and growing more produce in the future, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has a chance to participate in these enriching activities.
