"There's always something new"
"This is a typical comment from a resident as they return from their regular walk of the garden. Being the first to spot and report on the earliest snowdrop or runner bean becomes a badge or honour, as other residents spread the news that John or Doris has shared over dinner.

I am often reminded that even if one is experiencing some personal pain or sense of loss, the sight of new flowers coming into bloom or changes in light as it filters through the leaves on trees viewed from your window, can take you out of yourself, and connect you with the seasons.

As a gardener, I enjoy sharing my love of nature with such appreciative and knowledgeable people as our residents. One such person kindly gave me three rosa 'Munstead Wood' from his much loved home garden. He visited them every day to watch their progress, as, like him, they tentatively put down roots in new soil and had to adapt to new conditions and companions. He was thrilled to tell me when another resident said the colour of his roses were her favourite of all the many roses in the garden."

Emily Trueman, Gardener at Abbotts Barton and Wellington Grange 

You can read more about the great work of our gardening team in this carehome.co.uk article