Spring is here, and it is the perfect weather for gardening. The Life Enhancement team at the Gardens, our long-term care home, recently hosted a balcony gardening afternoon where residents worked together to beautify planters with colourful flowers.

Gardening is a wonderful and therapeutic activity. Gardening has been proven to reduce stress, improve overall health and physical activity, and even provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Physically, it provides low-impact exercise and can help build strength, improve balance, and increase mobility. Mentally, gardening can help reduce anxiety and depression while giving a sense of accomplishment from growing plants and vegetables. This year, we planted various plants, from beautiful petunias to chives, which some residents already have plans for.

“We host activities like gardening because some residents aren’t able to go outside as often so this is their opportunity to, and gardening is an enriching exercise for them,” said Joshua Bowyer the Life Enhancement Assistant.

Our Life Enhancement team is devoted to ensuring that our residents always have an opportunity to stay physically and mentally enriched. Activities like these also create an opportunity for residents to socialize with one another and share their gardening knowledge and experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

“We at Life Enhancement are here to bring joy, a sense of purpose and belonging for residents while creating a community,” said Tess Murray the Supervisor of Life Enhancement.