The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Residents take up gardening at care home
House gardener finds himself with lots of willing assistants during lockdown
Residents at a Perthshire care home have used their time in lockdown to transform the home’s garden.
Residents of Muirton House in Blairgowrie have assisted the home’s gardener Mick McKay, in designing a space they can enjoy during summer.
Friend of Muirton House Tracie Dick donated £80 to the project through her own fundraising.
Resident Marjorie Scott was involved in the project, having been a keen gardener since before her move to Muirton House.
She said: “When I moved to Muirton House, I brought lots of plants with me from my own garden, as I wanted to be able to keep up my love for gardening.
“I’ve really liked going back outside and making our garden look nice and pretty for everyone to enjoy.
“Hopefully, when the weather is much better, we can all sit outside together and enjoy each other’s company.”
Fellow resident Archie Buttar has also benefited from the initiative. He has used his drone to photograph the gardeners’ progress during their work.
Like other care homes, the coronavirus pandemic has forced staff at Muirton House to adapt how they deliver the usual activities to residents.
This, alongside restricted visiting, has led to residents getting more involved with gardening at the home.
The inspiration for the garden’s design is focused on encouraging residents to use the space more frequently, and motivating them to go out and exercise.
The money raised by Ms Dick, who sold crocheted rainbows in the local community, was used to buy sleepers to make raised planters.
Muirton House manager Catherine Russell, said the garden has given residents the chance to express their sense of individuality.
She said: “The residents have loved watching the progression of our garden plans and they all appreciate the new outside space.
“Some of our residents have also painted some personalised stones to place around the garden which gives a nice touch of everyone’s individuality in the space we all love and share.”