Harvest Festivals at Home
Residents across our homes were keen to participate in this year’s harvest festival, an important date in British farming to give thanks for a successful yield over the year as winter approaches. The celebrations were kicked off with a variety of fun-filled activities, including arts and crafts, donations to local food banks and enjoying harvest-inspired culinary delights.
Residents at Esher Manor Care Home in Esher got creative, upcycling items around the home to craft scarecrows they later named Cider and Rosie, for a fabulous harvest-themed display of vegetables and dried flowers.
When Caroline Chambers, Well-being and Activities Co-ordinator, joined Poets Mews Care Home in Clevedon four months ago, she discovered many residents had a keen interest in gardening and quickly established a gardening club. She sought advice from resident Edwin, an experienced gardener, and together, they decided to start growing courgettes. After the courgettes were harvested, Edwin generously gave them to the culinary team, who prepared a delicious courgette soup.
Edwin commented, “I was more than happy to support the gardening club and give advice. I like to physically help with as much as possible to the best of my ability. As the courgettes have done so well, we have now planted leaks and carrots, which we hope could be made into a nice autumn soup.”
Residents at Avonmere Care Home in Bristol have also turned their hand to gardening, planting tomatoes and runner beans as part of their garden club activity. All took pleasure in tending to the garden, watching the vegetables grow and picking their ripe produce to share with fellow residents. When asked about the activity, resident Mavis said, “I really enjoy going out in the garden and seeing the fruits of our labours.”
At Loxley Park Assisted Living in Sheffield, the gardening club has also successfully grown some remarkable tomato plants. A team member generously offered a few small tomato plants from their allotment, which the gardening club members then re-potted and cared for. The group expressed their sincere appreciation for this addition to their thriving gardens.
