A Little Garden With Big Community Spirit

Glenella Care residents have grown a thriving community garden with help from staff and a generous donation from Bunnings North Mackay. Photos supplied

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A community garden at Respect’s Glenella Care Banksia Wing has gone from a simple pergola area to a thriving patch of greenery, thanks to the efforts of residents, staff and a generous donation from Bunnings North Mackay.

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Over the past nine months, residents have worked to establish the garden after the pergola was completed late last year.

Residents put together a wish list of what they wanted to grow, with the team at Bunnings North Mackay responding by donating planter boxes, soil, tools, gloves, hats and a range of plants.

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The donation included citrus trees, a passionfruit vine, gerberas, lavender, as well as fruit and vegetable seedlings including tomatoes, corn, peas and strawberries.

The project was led by the social care team, who worked alongside residents and Bunnings to bring the garden to life. During the planting day, residents got their hands in the soil, potting up plants and cuttings.

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Resident Paul said the results were already making an impression.

“It’s bloody good, all the veggies and strawberries are fantastic. I hope they grow well.”

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Joy said she was looking forward to seeing the garden continue to develop.

“I can’t wait to see how it grows, we have our first flowers on the lemon tree and they smell great.”

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For Rose, the garden has added another special touch to her favourite outdoor space.

“it’s a great addition to our outdoor pergola area. I love it and can’t wait to see everything grow.”

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The garden will also benefit the wider Glenella Care community, with produce grown on site to be sold to staff and families during regular market days and in the home.

All proceeds will go back into the garden fund to support future planting.

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Glenella Care General Manager Debbie Vukasinovic said the contribution from Bunnings North Mackay had made a noticeable difference to the outdoor area.

“Bunnings North Mackay have really brought life to the outdoor area. A big thank you to the team for their contribution, our residents are very happy.

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“We also look forward to the workshops that Bunnings plan to run with our residents over the coming months as part of our social care activity calendar.

“This type of collaboration is what makes aged care communities as special as they are.”

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The project is another example of the community connections that can help bring local initiatives to life, with Bunnings North Mackay’s contribution giving residents the resources to create something they can continue to enjoy and care for together.

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