Retired Dorset gardener goes back to his roots at The Potteries

Home news

May 05, 2015

The Potteries care home marked the start of the spring planting season this week under the expert guidance of 87-year old resident and retired gardener, Tom Plummer.

Originally from Parkstone in Dorset, Tom retired in 1981, but has continued to enjoy gardening throughout his retirement.  This week, he went back to his green-fingered roots when he opened the door to his very own greenhouse at The Potteries, and residents at the care home worked together to pot flowers and plants, water budding bulbs and tidy up flower beds.

Home manager, Zita Turner, said: “Spring has well and truly sprung, and everyone at The Potteries thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the sights and sounds of the great outdoors as we joined Tom for a spot of gardening.  For many residents gardening has been a lifelong hobby, while of course Tom spent his working life as a gardener in and around Dorset; so, we were all keen to follow his advice as we all helped him to set up the greenhouse for the months ahead.”

“Gardening is widely acknowledged as a relaxing and therapeutic activity, and for people living with dementia it can be so much more than a labour of love.  Being outside, feeling the sun on your face and the soil in your hands can have many physical and emotional benefits.

“These kind of activities can help to give people a sense of time and place, while also creating moments of shared happiness and togetherness.  We therefore all plan on giving Tom a hand with his greenhouse on many more occasions, and we all look forward to seeing the wonderful results of everyone’s efforts as the garden comes into bloom.”