Local Resident Noelle Transforms St Vincent’s Care Kangaroo Point’s Garden Into Colourful Haven

St Vincent’s Care Kangaroo Point aged care home boasts a vibrant and thriving garden, all thanks to the horticulture connoisseur and longtime resident, Noelle. With an impressive tenure of 8 years at the home, Noelle has taken on the responsibility of tending to the garden, turning it into a breathtaking space that residents now cherish.

"When I first moved into this home, I was very shocked to see what the garden looked like. I spoke to the Facility Manager, and we agreed that I could take over the responsibility of caring for it and turn it into a space where people wanted to spend time," Noelle said with determination. 

As Kangaroo Point's head gardener, Noelle dedicates her time and passion to maintaining the garden daily, often receiving some assistance from the Maintenance Manager, Mark Riordan. Over the years, the garden has undergone a magnificent transformation, with a diverse array of greenery adorning its landscape. Noelle's lifelong passion for gardening was sparked at the tender age of five, and she became even more devoted to her craft after moving from France to Australia following her marriage. 

"I remember being a little girl and being chased out of the vegetable patch by our gardener because I dug up the radishes and washed them; I thought the soil was bad for them!" Noelle reminisced with a chuckle. 

Beyond just a hobby, gardening holds a spiritual significance for Noelle. She draws inspiration from her fellow residents, who delight in the results of her hard work. 

"I love everything about the process. From working with the soil and mulch, to watching the plants grow. The most rewarding part for me is seeing the other residents who live here relax and catch up with their families in a beautiful surrounding," she expressed with a sense of fulfillment. 

However, the journey hasn't been without challenges. Noelle faces the persistent presence of scrub turkeys, who frequently dig up the soil, undoing her hard work. 

"We had some turkeys captured and rehomed a few years ago which took care of the problem for a while, but new turkeys have settled in, and they’ve started to dig up my plants again," Noelle lamented. 

To combat this avian obstacle, Noelle has adopted ingenious methods, such as placing thorny cuttings around her beloved plants and flowers. For aspiring gardeners, she offers valuable advice: "dedicate yourself to finding as much as you can about everything in your garden, and make sure that you are passionate about the hobby." 

Beyond Noelle's personal journey, gardening holds immense significance for seniors. As we age, finding activities that keep us physically and mentally engaged becomes increasingly important. Gardening, a rewarding pastime, provides a multitude of benefits for older adults. The low-impact nature of gardening allows individuals to partake at their own pace, promoting overall mobility and flexibility through movements like reaching, bending, and stretching. 

Furthermore, gardening's mental health benefits are remarkable. The activity helps reduce stress and anxiety, providing a calming and therapeutic experience amid nature's embrace. Moreover, the planning, problem-solving, and attention to detail required in gardening can enhance cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, gardening serves as a social activity, fostering interactions with neighbours and community members, combating feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

The sense of accomplishment one gains from growing and enjoying the fruits of their labour, be it a delicious homegrown vegetable or a bouquet of beautiful flowers, cannot be underestimated. 

Whether you are an experienced gardener or new to the hobby, there are countless ways to get involved and savour the rewards of this enjoyable and fulfilling pastime. For those interested in setting up their garden, St Vincent’s care encourages residents to get in touch with their Facility Manager and embark on a journey of beauty, creativity, and well-being through gardening. 

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