Wellbeing blooms after gardening club takes root at care home

Green-fingered residents at a care home are staying happier and healthier thanks to an inclusive gardening club that has already produced potato, lettuce, and beetroot harvests.

Beginning as a small group of green-fingered individuals living at Byron Lodge Care Home in Wath, John’s Gardening Club has since grown into a popular part of the home’s weekly activities programme.

Members at the home on Dryden Road, regularly meet to tend flower beds, plant seasonal blooms, and grow herbs and vegetables, taking pride in seeing their crops develop from seed to table.

People of all abilities can take part at the home – which provides nursing, residential, and dementia care - whether they are planting, watering, and weeding, or simply enjoying the fresh air and conversation.

The sessions, initiated by keen gardener and resident, John Sharp, provide gentle exercise, encourage teamwork, and create a shared sense of achievement and purpose.

The club has also welcomed support from residents’ relatives, Amanda and Rob Hamilton, both of whom have local allotments. They share gardening advice, ideas, and plants, helping members learn new skills while strengthening links between homes, families, and the wider community.

Maxine Gascoigne, registered manager at Byron Lodge Care Home, run by We Care Group, said: “John’s passion has brought our garden to life in more ways than one.

“It gives people a reason to spend time outdoors, try something new, and work towards a shared goal.

“Seeing friendships and confidence flourish as everyone cares for their surroundings has been wonderful.

John, Amanda, and Rob make everybody feel welcome, regardless of their experience or ability, and we’re incredibly grateful for their contribution”.

Byron Lodge provides meaningful activities shaped around residents’ interests, and offers helping them to maintain purpose, independence, and connection.