Ready, set, grow! Ware care home welcomes college students for gardening session

Green-fingered residents at a Ware care home were joined by visitors from a local college for a special gardening activity.

Hertford College students visited Care UK’s Riverside Place, on Plaxton Way, to help residents put down some roots and enhance the home’s garden.

Together, students and residents got stuck in, tending to bulbs that the pupils had planted during a previous visit, and bedded new ones in preparation for the summer. The session also offered everyone the opportunity to show off their gardening skills and share their advice and experiences with each other.

Barbara, a resident at Riverside Place, said: “It was lovely to welcome Hertford College to Riverside and spend time together in the garden. We really enjoyed the visit, planting together, and sharing such a nice experience with everyone.”

The visit is the result of a longstanding partnership between the home and Hertford College. As part of the initiative, residents receive regular visits from the students and take part in a host of activity together, from gardening to quizzes.

Alin Marcu, Home Manager at Riverside Place, said: “We were very happy to welcome the work placement students back to Riverside Place for a morning of gardening.

“Residents and students all had a wonderful time working together, everyone was smiling and enjoying themselves, it was so lovely to see. Gardening is a great way for residents to stay active and engaged while spending time outdoors. Activities like these also really plant the seed for young people, as it can help show them how rewarding working in the care sector can be - all while picking up some gardening tips.

“Everyone was in high spirits, and we’re excited to see the garden transform over the next few weeks. Thank you again to the students; we can’t wait for their next visit.”

Riverside Place is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Riverside Place has been designed to enable its residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence. The building incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, café and on-site pub and bar.

To find out more about Riverside Place, please contact Alin Marcu on 01920 888900, email [email protected] or visit careuk.com/riverside-place