Local residents grow the seeds of success

Published by SanH for Sanctuary Housing Association in Communities and also in Housing

Elderly residents from a Sanctuary Housing scheme in Farnborough are digging their new-look garden, which received an official thumbs up this week.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Wimborne House gardening group, a thriving community garden has been created and is brightening up the lives of residents at the housing scheme.

A special event marked the makeover of Wimborne House’s green space, which has been fully designed by the gardening group – the oldest member of which is aged 85. 

Special guest for the day was Sanctuary’s regional director, Richard Keeley, who came along to see the area first hand and muck in with some gardening.                         

Residents and Sanctuary staff turned out to watch Richard commemorate the occasion by planting a tree, before taking a tour of the garden.  The day was rounded off by a fish and chip lunch, which was served by Richard and scheme manager, Angela Morton. 

Members of the gardening group have spent months designing, researching and planting – all in a bid to create a flourishing new space for the benefit of their fellow residents and the wider community.

As well as enjoying the fruits of their labour, the green-fingered gardening group are also revelling in a double win in the recent Rushmoor in Bloom contest.  The Silver Gilt for the most ‘water efficient garden’ and the ‘best sheltered garden’ were awarded to the group.

Sanctuary resident, Mrs Brenda Brown, a member of the Wimborne House garden club, said: “The garden has been a complete labour of love for us.  We are thrilled to receive such recognition and to have Richard join us today – it’s made our success even more special.

“We want to continue developing the garden and hopefully bring home an award next year, too.  Thanks to everyone at Wimborne for their support and encouragement.”

Sanctuary Housing’s regional director, Richard Keeley, added: “What a tremendous achievement for these budding gardeners.  It is clear that there is a great sense of community spirit here, with the garden becoming a real focal point for residents.  

“It is a wonderful place to walk, sit and talk with friends, family and neighbours – I am sure the garden will be very much enjoyed by all.”