The Healing Power of Gardening

Research has shown that gardening is an activity that promotes overall health and quality of life, physical strength, fitness and flexibility, cognitive ability and socialisation. Tending to plants, watching them grow, and reaping the rewards of flowers and fruit all contribute to a profound sense of empowerment and wellbeing. This is particularly important during these stressful times.

Many of Opal Aged Care's homes have gardens where residents can continue their life-long love of gardening or discover a new passion and learn new skills. As well as ornamental plants, all sorts of vegetables and herbs are grown, harvested and put to great use by on-site chefs in their delicious daily menus.

Opal's gardens serve many purposes – a place for residents to relax, therapeutic spaces for residents living with dementia, a source of fresh food for their homes, adding light and fresh air and creating a sense of deep satisfaction for residents and team members.

While we are all practising social distancing, residents continue to grow their personal connections through gardening together and this is contributing to an individual sense of joy and fulfilment, as well as creating a stronger community in Opal's homes.

Indoor gardening is a wonderful activity when the weather is less than favourable. Kimiko from Opal North Lakes has always grown plants and orchids. She also loves to have plants in her room. Betty from Opal Murdoch has always loved gardening and recently enjoyed planting mini succulents into planter boxes for everyone to enjoy.

Valmae has recently moved into Opal Greenfern Place and has joined the home’s walking group. Valmae is overwhelmed by the beautiful garden and says it is a place where she loves to sit and reminisce.

Find out more about Opal Aged Care.