Ward staff praise gardening guru Gareth

Gareth Endicott (33) rekindled his passion for gardening during his stay on Sandpiper Ward at Swallownest Court which provides treatment and care for adults experiencing mental health problems and is run by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH).

While on the ward, he spent most of his days in the main garden and managed to dig over the soil and tidy up the weeds.

Gareth chose and planted new flowers on a trip to a garden centre accompanied by the ward’s occupational therapist.

He also spruced up the garden bench by giving it a coat of paint and discovered a hidden path.

Gareth said: “I’ve always loved gardening and worked at a landscape gardening company before so used to being outdoors in all kinds of weather.

“When I saw the garden, I knew I could make it into a place people would want to go and enjoy again.

“I feel proud of what I have achieved and want to thank the ward staff for their support.

“I know they will remember my ‘rack them and sack them’ motto for my gardening tools!”

With the main garden complete, Gareth is now working his magic on the ward’s side garden.

Louise Drabble, Sandpiper Ward manager, said: “Gareth has done a fabulous job.

“Our ward garden was very unloved and overgrown.

“Thanks to Gareth, our patients, visitors and staff have a lovely garden in which to enjoy being outside.”