Happiness blooms at Carrickfergus Manor with new garden influenced by residents

Residents at a Carrickfergus care home have been able to make the most of the summer thanks to a new garden makeover.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Sep 2021, 15:57 BST
Updated 6th Sep 2021, 17:42 BST
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The garden at Carrickfergus Manor reflects hobbies, pastimes and careers with the planning, designing, and planting undertaken by the residents, staff, family members, and volunteers.

Michelle Davies, wellbeing lead at the Kathryn Homes managed unit, said: “The new garden is a beautiful, colourful space for the residents to relax and admire their handiwork.

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“I’ve learnt a lot throughout our project, with residents giving me with advice on how to dead head and properly look after the flowers. Their wisdom has been invaluable!

The garden following the makeover.The garden following the makeover.
The garden following the makeover.

“Gardening is a great way for our residents to get outside and stay active, and they’ve really enjoyed bonding with one another and each other’s families.”

Aspects of the garden include a Harland and Wolff planter inspired by one resident who spent his life working in the shipyard, tree scarves that were created by the home’s avid knitters and cognitive elements such as butterflies and painted rocks.

Hilda, a resident at Carrickfergus Manor, has thoroughly enjoyed working on the garden. She said: “I love coming out here to sit in the garden and gather my thoughts. I sleep better when I have spent time in the fresh air.”

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Organisations in the area supported the project with Everton Day Centre donating planters, mosaics, soils and flowers; members from Team JVC Community Trust assisting with painting fencers and garden furniture and Kilcreggan Urban Farm Carrickfergus providing advice on the best plants to purchase.

Margaret Brown admires the plants.Margaret Brown admires the plants.
Margaret Brown admires the plants.

Members of Evolution Boxing Club Carrickfergus volunteered time to help and Decorators Touch Carrickfergus gifted the home with paint.

Families and friends of the residents also helped complete the garden with monetary donations.

Michelle added: “We were blown away by the generosity of our brilliant local businesses here in Carrick, so I would like to give a special word of thanks to them for their support in bringing this project to life.”

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Derek Smith with the wheel trim flowers that he helped to create.Derek Smith with the wheel trim flowers that he helped to create.
Derek Smith with the wheel trim flowers that he helped to create.

Click here to read: New company to oversee east Antrim care homes

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Related topics:Residents