Throughout June, residents at the care home took part in a variety of different activities either outside, or brought the outside inside! The daily green-fingered activities saw the residents complete a month of ‘random acts of wildness’ and tied in with MHA Garden Week, taking place in the final week of June.

Residents and staff were invited by deputy manager Loren Rosebery and her daughter Freya, 7, to bring their teddy’s to a teddy bears picnic. The residents enjoyed a cup of tea and home-baked cake in the garden, and shared their memories of each bear and their origins. This was followed by a ‘name the giant bear competition’ won by Freya who christened the prize bear ‘Billy’. 

Other activities throughout the month saw an outdoor musical performance from guitarist James Columbine - a Moorland House favourite, poetry and nature writing inspired by the senses, painting a wildflower mural, making mini well dressings, garden walks and much more. 

Residents took time to learn about the healing properties of herbs, and what they can use from the garden in their day-to-day lives, such as making posies for their rooms, or scented collages or adding the herbs to warm water for a soothing drink. 

The residents learnt about the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the herb Rosemary, as they harvested a batch from the garden to make some rosemary and lemon cupcakes. Betty, 92, said “They are delicious and were ever so easy to make.” 

Activities coordinator, Amy Taylor, said, “This is a great opportunity to encourage our residents and staff to get outside and enjoy nature which is so beneficial to mental and physical health. It has been great to be involved with another local charity, changing MHA’s ‘#livelaterlifewelll’ motto to ‘#livelaterlifeWILD’ for June. Hopefully we have inspired others to do the same and join in with the challenge.” 

Karen Slater, Regional Director at MHA, added: “Gardens play a huge role in life at our care homes, with residents and staff regularly planning activities to get them out in the fresh air. 

“Particularly during the pandemic, they have been a boost to our residents’ wellbeing, offering a relaxing outside space and a safe place to meet visiting family members as the weather warmed up.” 

MHA care homes from across the UK have been joining in with Garden Week, taking place from 28th June to 4th July 2021. The charity care provider’s motto for the week is ‘Natural Wellbeing.’