Young gardeners sow seeds of friendship at Bury care home

Smiles were in full bloom at a care home in Bury St Edmunds as residents welcomed children for an afternoon of gardening.

The green-fingered gathering at Care UK’s Glastonbury Court, on Glastonbury Road, saw residents and local children roll up their sleeves to plant flowers in the home's garden and get creative painting pots.

Residents were delighted to share their know-how with the youngsters, answering questions about different plants and offering tips on the best places to help them flourish. 

Resident Joyce Finch, aged 90, said: “It was so lovely to see the children and help them with the gardening. It brought back memories of my own son playing in the garden with water and having fun.

“The children were asking lots of questions about the plants, and we were able to tell them what they were called and give them advice about where to put them.”

Fellow resident Maureen Wooley, aged 91, added: “It was a great afternoon with lots of laughter and giggles from the children.”

The activity was well timed as the home's gardens have been entered into this year's Bury in Bloom competition, with residents working hard to keep the outdoor spaces looking their best ahead of judging.

Ana Mihai, Home Manager at Glastonbury Court, said: “The garden has become a real focus for residents, especially as we've entered this year's Bury in Bloom competition, so it was fantastic to welcome the children along to lend a helping hand.

“Residents enjoyed sharing their gardening knowledge and the children brought plenty of enthusiasm to the afternoon. It was wonderful to see everyone working together, having fun and helping the garden flourish.”

Glastonbury Court is a modern care home providing full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. It has its very own cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub, and there is plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.