Bunnings North Mackay Helps Glenella Care Residents Grow a Community Garden

Residents at Respect’s Glenella Care Banksia Wing have spent the past nine months turning a new pergola area into a thriving community garden, with the support from Bunnings North Mackay.

The garden took shape after the pergola was completed late last year. Residents put together a wish list of what they wanted to grow and the team at Bunnings North Mackay answered their call by donating planter boxes, soil, tools, gloves, hats and plants to make it happen.

The haul very generously included citrus trees, a passionfruit vine, gerberas, lavender and a full range of fruit and vegetable seedlings from tomatoes and corn to peas and strawberries.

The project was led by the social care team who worked with residents and Bunnings to bring the garden to life. The big planting day saw residents get their hands in the soil to pot up plants and cuttings.

Resident Paul said the results speak for themselves, “it’s bloody good, all the veggies and strawberries are fantastic, I hope they grow well.”

Joy said the garden is coming along nicely, “I can’t wait to see how it grows, we have our first flowers on the lemon tree and they smell great.”

Rose said the garden added something special to her favourite spot outside, “it’s a great addition to our outdoor pergola area, I love it and can’t wait to see everything grow.”

The garden isn’t just for residents to enjoy either, produce grown on site will be sold to staff and families at regular market days and in the home with all proceeds going back into the garden fund for future planting.

Glenella Care’s General Manager, Debbie Vukasinovic said “Bunnings North Mackay have really brought life to the outdoor area. A big thank you to the team for their contribution, our residents are very happy.

“We also look forward to the workshops that Bunnings plan to run with our residents over the coming months as part of our social care activity calendar.

“This type of collaboration is what makes aged care communities as special as they are.”