Nature-friendly carehome garden officially ‘thriving’

A carehome garden created to benefit people and wildlife has been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Thornbury community permaculture garden has been built on sustainable practices for healthy soil and increased biodiversity, working with native plants and nature’s timetable.

It has been designed for the enjoyment of carehome staff and residents, who have a good view of the garden from their dining room.

“We have our own little fan club of ladies who stand in their bedroom windows watching us working!” says Emma Young, who leads the weekly volunteer gardening session.

Volunteers at work in the permaculture garden, which residents can see from their dining room – photo: Emma Young

The project began life in April 2022 when South Gloucestershire council, on undertaking a carehome greening programme creating wildflower meadows, fruit trees and ponds, granted use of the land for a nature-friendly community garden.

The volunteer team established no-dig beds to avoid disturbing the healthy soil life, and set about planting a diverse range of edible plants, herbs and pollinator-friendly flowers.

“Things started to transform,” says Emma.

Their efforts were recognised in October 2023 with an RHS ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ level four ‘Thriving’ award. They also welcomed a visit from Thornbury’s Mayor who got his hands dirty at a volunteer session.

Emma (centre) at the Thornbury In Bloom award presentation in early October – photo: Thornbury in Bloom

Emma is keen to spread the word about the benefits of permaculture, and to work with others to pursue the sustainability agenda. The garden is part of Sustainable Thornbury and Emma is a member of Plastic Free Thornbury, and an Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT) Team Wilder Champion.

The latest project on the team’s agenda is a sensory garden created for all residents to sit outside and enjoy.

“We hope to incorporate all senses,” says Emma. “We’re including grasses that can be heard rustling in the wind, edible plants, lots of colour. Soft-leaved plants to touch, and all kinds of different scents.”

They sensory garden is set to be completed in spring 2024, and Emma hopes to encourage residents out to enjoy all the delights the natural world has to offer, with plans for a launch party and possible special events such as a sensory treasure trail.

“Lots of residents must have been gardeners,” she says. “We get lots of questions on what we’re doing and why.”

The permaculture group share a regular newsletter with information on their chosen plants and methods, and help to run a carehome gardening club, planting quick-grow crops such as salad leaves.

The project’s sensory garden will feature plants to stimulate all five senses, and it’s hoped will encourage residents out into nature – photo: Emma Young

The team are on the hunt for volunteers who’d like to help with gardening activities or are interested in learning about permaculture. Volunteers are welcome to drop in when the feeling takes them, with no pressure to commit.

To find out more and get involved email tcpp@sustainablethornbury.org

This piece of independent journalism is supported by The Extra Mile and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership.

Main photo: Emma Young

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