Building connections through gardening

On any given day, residents at Opal HealthCare’s Orange Grove Care Community are taking care of the greenery, planning their next order from the local Bunnings, or harvesting delicious produce to be used in the community kitchen. 

In 2023 Opal HealthCare set a goal, as part of its Social Impact program, to have productive, sustainable kitchen gardens in every Care Community. Residents and staff at Orange Grove are now proving just how green their thumbs are.

Jillien Quinan, Opal HealthCare’s National Wellbeing Manager, says that over the last year, our residents have completely transformed different areas of the site into thriving community gardens.

“We have a strong contingent of gardeners who welcome new residents to take part in gardening activities,” she said. 

“I receive photos of their harvests, and they’ve always got stories to share of family members connecting with their parents or making deep connections with other residents. Gardening is now a meaningful activity to be part of.”

Gardening for connection and purpose

Orange Grove Care Community turned gardening into a force for good with the help of Vegepod, an Australian-owned raised garden bed design that is accessible for all ages and abilities. 

Since 2018, Vegepod’s Community Programs have been helping people in aged care residences, schools, early childhood centres, social housing hubs, rehabilitation centres, and disability accommodation enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening. 

The initiative was designed in collaboration with Southern Cross University as an evidence-based well-being program that empowers people to run their own gardens, reaping therapeutic benefits along the way.

Communities that have undertaken the program have seen positive health and well-being outcomes among participants, such as reduced stress levels from spending time outside, being able to maintain functional movement, harvesting and eating fresh produce, and enjoying a sense of accomplishment. 

For aged care communities, an added benefit is re-engaging a resident’s life skills. Nick Harris, Vegepod General Manager, said the program has successfully helped seniors who have moved into residential care reconnect with their love for gardening.

“People who used to garden in their own home often lose that opportunity when they move into an aged care residence. Putting Vegepods on site has given that activity back to them, which they love,” he said.

Gardening also provides a powerful stimulus for socialising among residents, creating opportunities for people to connect and build friendships with each other. 

According to Nick, the Vegepod Community Program has helped aged care residences create a sense of camaraderie among residents.

“This is probably the biggest impact we’ve seen,” he said.

“I’ve been to aged care residences where the staff put on a morning tea, then everyone gets some gloves on and gardens together around the Vegepods.”

“The residence might also have a gardener from the local nursey give a talk, or they might organise a working bee and get volunteers from the community to come in and help. One aged care residence even had a competition on who could grow the biggest lettuce head,” Nick said.

“People in aged care come from all backgrounds and ethnicities, but the one thing they have in common is gardening,” he added.

“Most cultures around the world have gardened forever. There’s that social aspect, having that common sense of belonging with an activity that’s almost universal.”

Making gardening accessible

At the centre of Vegepod Community Programs is the company’s award-winning design that helps to make gardening an inclusive activity for everyone.

The raised garden bed structure means wheelchair users can take part in gardening activities, while the self-watering feature makes plants easier to maintain.

“Unlike a normal garden bed, residents don’t need to put too much time and energy into caring for their plants,” Nick said.

Vegepods also come with built-in covers and can be wheeled to different locations, making them suitable for communities with limited outdoor areas.

“You don’t need a lot of space to fit the beds in; they suit a small backyard, rooftop or balcony,” Nick said.

“The beds have protective covers, which prevents pests such as cabbage moths and possums. And if desired, staff can choose to pull them inside if it rains, so residents can continue to garden.”

The success of the Vegepod Community Program has shown that gardening can play a vital role in the future of aged care.

“We’re still discovering the therapeutic benefits that come with gardening. We want people to know about the benefits it can bring for seniors and aged care communities,” Nick said. 

In Jillien’s experience, the outcomes at Orange Grove Care Community speak for themselves.

“If you have a love of gardening, it’s wonderful to continue to do that, regardless of your diagnosis,” she said.

“Moving into care takes many different shapes and forms—some move into a high-rise building, others have places where there are great big gardens, others don’t have the luxury of space. Vegepod has been an exceptional partner for us, to support those who love to garden to continue do to so, however they want to.”

If you or your aged care home want to learn more, visit our website at www.vegepod.com.au. To get in touch with Vegepod, contact [email protected].