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Growing Together

27 November 2024
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A garden rooted in community!

The garden outside our Nelson Centre has been transformed into a peaceful haven, thanks to the incredible support from local businesses, volunteers, and members of our Enliven programme. 

Everyone contributed to designing and bringing the garden to life, creating a space that reflects our community. It’s not just a garden - it’s a place for connection, growth, and giving back!

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Quickly becoming a favourite spot, Athol expressed, “I love sitting here. I just need a book to read, and I’m happy!” He emphasised the garden’s importance for providing fresh produce.“These gardens are a necessity. They let us grow and share vegetables with those who might struggle to afford them.”

Kelvin, a gardening enthusiast, donated many seedlings, saying, “The gardens look fantastic! The new beds are the perfect height for me.” 

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Barbara and Eunice enjoyed planting strawberries, and Charles appreciated the colourful birdbath. Wallace and Charles had fun exploring the lighthouse built from old pots, complete with a solar light.

This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the support of local businesses and volunteers.

A BIG thank you to:

Rob and Jordan Wells for restoring the bird bath and bench
Harry from Harry’s Building Services for installing the grass and building garden beds
Kev from Dig it, Move it for preparing the grass patch
Placemakers for discounts on materials
Lions Club for their donation towards the Veggie Pod
Fulton Hogan for donating gravel
Edridge Contracting for donating the hard fill and dirt for the planter boxes

We’re so grateful to our dedicated volunteers, including Sandy Hodgson, Wayne McLean, Malcolm Watson, and Susant Acharya.This garden is a true example of community in action. As Athol said, “It’s the perfect place to sit, relax, and watch the plants grow.”

Thank you to everyone involved, our garden is now a lovely place where people can reconnect with nature, each other, and themselves. 

We provide services that help keep older people connected and promote health and wellbeing.

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