Date: 19 May 2017

Our Maclean and Wingham services have secured a $2,000 Maggie Beer Foundation grant through their Wellbeing Gardens program.

The new wellbeing gardens will bring a range of benefits to residents. For many, they will help reignite and inspire their passion for gardening.

The wellbeing gardens will offer:

  • A range of delicious aromatic herbs and edible plants
  • Relaxing places for residents to connect over their love of food and gardening
  • The chance to learn new skills, share stories and enjoy physical activity
  • An opportunity for residents to help plant, nurture and select herbs from the garden

Whiddon Maclean Director Care Services, Catherine Tees welcomed the grant and said the garden will make a real difference to the lives of residents.

‘We are delighted and very excited to receive this Maggie Beer Foundation grant. Through the funding we plan to create a garden to tempt the tastebuds with fresh herbs and vegetables to be used in our kitchen.’

‘The garden will bring a range of wellbeing benefits to residents. They will be able to help plant and nurture the garden and it will be a lovely space for them to enjoy connecting with others and participating in gentle physical exercise through gardening.’

‘The garden will also encourage residents to share stories around their love of cooking and gardening, which for so many, were things they loved to do every day. We are looking forward to establishing our garden together and watching it grow and bring joy.’ Catherine said.

Renowned Australian cook and author Maggie Beer said that from the nutritional benefit of an edible garden at the back door, to being involved in a flowering garden, everyone feels happier in a beautiful, outdoor environment.

‘Having a space to be proud of, to ‘potter in’ and give a sense of purpose improves people’s health and, for many, gardening enables them to undertake an activity that they have always loved. Wellbeing Gardens provide a space where elderly people, their families and friends can walk in the sunshine, breathe fresh air and socialise.” Maggie said.

The Maggie Beer Foundation offered a total of 15 grants as part of their Wellbeing Gardens Program. This is thanks to the Yulgilbar Foundation. The program aims to provide residents within aged care homes in Northern NSW access to a beautiful, outdoor, living environment.