Care Community stories

For the love of gardening

3rd June 2021 | 2 mins
John and Alan

It is heart-warming to witness the connections made and friendships formed in our Care Communities. Connections that exist not only between our residents but extend to residents’ loved ones and the broader community.

John’s wife Mary lived at North Lakes Terrace Care Community until she passed away late last year. With an important piece of his life missing, John embarked on a soul searching journey.

After learning about the garden John and Mary had nurtured over many years at their home, Katie, our Lifestyle Coordinator, asked John if he would help grow a sensory and edible garden at the Care Community for residents and families to enjoy.

John now visits North Lakes Terrace each week and cares for the garden he helped create in the Memory Care Neighbourhood. He has built a wonderful friendship with Alan, a resident who is also is a man of the land. Growing up in Cowra, Alan knows a thing or two about gardening, having picked up his skills as a young boy working alongside his grandfather.

Through their mutual love of gardening, John and Alan have established a great friendship, a friendship that gives them companionship and has put the spring back into John’s step.

John and Alan together

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