Healing Harvest

Description

The Healing Harvest Garden project aims to create a serene, age friendly vegetable and flower garden within the grounds of the nursing unit.

The objectives of the project are:

1. Promote well-being – Encourage physical activity and sensory engagement through gardening
2. Boost Mental Health – Create a peaceful, sensory rich environment that reduces stress and promotes relaxation
3. Foster Community Connections- Create opportunities for intergenerational activities and community involvement
4. Support Healthy Living- Cultivate fresh vegetables and herbs to support healthier dining options for residents.
5. Enhance Outdoor Space – Transform underutilized areas into vibrant, accessible garden spaces
6. Encourage Sustainability – Implement eco-friendly gardening practices such as composting and water conservation.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

• Designing and planning age – friendly raised garden beds and pathways
• Ensure sensory friendly spaces with fragrant plants and easy to reach plots
• Planting Seasonal Vegetables, herbs and flowers with input from residents
• Organizing gardening workshops and community planting days
• Teach residents basic gardening skills through hands on activities
• Host seasonal planting and harvesting workshops
• Implement composting and rainwater collection
• Use organic gardening techniques to ensure safety and sustainability.
• Involving local volunteers and youth groups for support and interaction
• Maintaining garden through collaborative efforts of residents, staff and volunteers
• Organise sale of products in the farmers market

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
• Improved physical and mental health for residents through regular outdoor activities
• Stronger community bonds by connecting residents with volunteers and local groups
• Fresh organic produce available for resident use and selling in farmer’s market
• Enhanced aesthetic and therapeutic environment for residents and visitors
MONITORING AND Evaluation
• Monthly check ins – Assess plant health , garden condition , resident engagement
• Resident Feed Back- Collect feed back to improve garden layout and activities
• Community Engagement Reports – Track volunteer participation and community support
SUSTAINABILTY PLAN
• Engage local schools and volunteers for long term maintenance
• Secure partnership with garden clubs and local business for supplies
• Develop Seasonal planting guides to keep the garden thriving year round.

Aim of Initiative

The Healing Harvest garden project aims to enhance the quality of life for residents by creating a therapeutic age – friendly vegetable and flower garden that promotes physical well -being, mental health and community connection

Who is it aimed at

Residents in the nursing unit

3 Steps critical to success

1. 1. Comprehensive planning and design – A well thought out age-friendly design that prioritises accessibility and safety
   2. Community Engagement and Support – Strong community involvement ensures sustainability and shared ownership of the project
   3. Sourcing Materials and Equipment – Reliable sourcing of materials guarantees smooth project implementation
2. 4. Training and Orientation – Knowledgeable participants lead to more effective planting and maintenance
   5. Implementation and Planting – Well coordinated planting sessions ensure smooth execution and community bonding
   6. Ongoing Maintenance and Care – Consistent maintenance prevents garden deterioration and keeps it flourishing
3. 7. Monitoring and Evaluation – Regular assessment allows for timely adjustments and continuous improvement
   8. Celebrations and Community Events – Celebrating milestones strengthens community bonds and project visibility
   9. Sustainability and Planning – Long term planning ensures the garden remains a vibrant part of the community

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. 1. Physical accessibility and Safety – Elderly residents , especially those with mobility issues or disabilities may find it difficult to navigate traditional garden spaces
   2. Consistent Maintenance and up-keep – Garden require regular maintenance ( watering, weeding, pruning)which can be challenging with limited staff or volunteer availability
   3. Engagement and Participation – Some residents may be reluctant or physically unable to participate regularly
2. 4. Weather & seasonal changes – Outdoor garden is subject to weather conditions, which can disrupt planting and activities
   5. Funding & Resource Limitations – Budget constraints may affect the quality of materials , plants and ongoing care
   6. Pests and Plant Diseases – Unmanaged pests and plant diseases can damage crops and discourage participation
3. 7. Health & Safety Regulations – Nursing homes are governed by strict health and safety standards that may affect garden activities
   8. Resident Turnover and health changes – Residents may leave or health conditions may change affecting project continuity
   9. Community Engagement and longevity – Sustaining long term interest and support from volunteers and the community.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. • Improved physical and mental health for residents through regular outdoor activities
   • Stronger community bonds by connecting residents with volunteers and local groups
2. • Fresh organic produce available for resident use and selling in farmer’s market
3. • Enhanced aesthetic and therapeutic environment for residents and visitors