Edinburgh care home teams up with pupils for gardening project

Green-fingered residents at a care home in Edinburgh have joined forces with schoolchildren for a special gardening activity. 

Pupils from Colinton Primary School visited Care UK’s Cairdean House on Redford Road to get their hands dirty and learn the basics of gardening from residents.

Led by keen gardeners, the children potted plants and seeds and helped to build a pop-up greenhouse. The potted plants will be kept at the home, where the youngsters will help to look after them along with the residents.

Resident Dorothy Pollet said: “I loved the children helping in the garden and it was such wonderful weather. It took me back to my younger days when my children used to help me plant and pot in the garden.”

The activity was part of National Children’s Gardening Week, where gardeners across the UK are encouraged to do their bit to inspire the next generation.

Angela Burns, Home Manager at Cairdean House, said: “We loved welcoming the children from Colinton Primary School for a morning of gardening. With the sun making a welcome appearance, there were non-stop smiles from everyone as they got stuck in with the soil!

“Gardening is a great way for residents to stay active and engaged while spending time outdoors. Having children with us also gave the activity a greater purpose by enabling both generations to learn from each other through teamwork and conversation. 

“We hope we’ve inspired the children to care for the environment and pick up gardening at home. We’re already looking forward to our next session!” 

Cairdean House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, including a café, cinema and hair and beauty salon. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.