Gardening is known for being very therapeutic and brings real joy to many. Last Friday my colleague and I visited Broom Court care home in Stirling, to attend the opening of their new greenhouse. On arrival we were unexpectedly invited to take charge of the decorations. After many attempts (and with the help of the staff!), we managed to put together a ribbon in Blackwood’s hot pink and lime green colours. We completed the look with some bunting to make the garden look welcoming and set the scene for the opening party.

The greenhouse itself was the result of careful and long-term planning. An improvement group set up to frequently discuss the care home and how things could be changed if necessary also had much input. They gave advice of what style they would like greenhouse and what they would like in it.

Things the care home had to consider prior to purchase were:

•          Entrance door to greenhouse was accessible for large wheelchairs

•          Width of greenhouse as turning space needs to be adequate for wheel chair users so they can work independently and for those staff support

•          Mechanical windows that open by themselves as residents would struggle to do this.

•          Patio in garden was level for wheel chair users with no uneven surfaces.

•          Water pump at an accessible height for wheelchair users to fill watering can.

The idea for a greenhouse at Broom Court started when a small greenhouse belonging to a resident was destroyed in last summer’s gales. This encouraged staff to start fundraising for a new one. Jam was made and sold in vast quantities (including at large sporting events around Scotland) in order to raise money and with the additional help of a trust fund 1000 pounds were raised. A raffle was held at the care home over Christmas and a further 1000 pounds were raised. After examining costs for a greenhouse, staff discovered it would take roughly 2500 pounds.

The care home got in touch with a local garden centre, who agreed to assist with the project after they mutually decided on a budget. The garden centre sent brochures for design ideas. The greenhouse was ordered in many pieces and contractors put it up. Double sliding doors were essential to assist those with mobility problems. Shelving and staging were also necessary as were easy-opening windows. A metal frame was put along the bottom (for sliding doors), it had to be as flat as they could get to avoid creating a trip hazard. The care home are also considering adding a ramp if it is deemed necessary.

“It felt fantastic to see the final result, and amazing to see how it evolved from the final concept” says Jenny Gardner, the Head of the East region, “the tenants are amazed, some are very keen gardeners and it enables them to be involved”. Broom Court now hopes to get more residents involved and is looking for volunteers to help. Harvesting tomatoes and/or cucumbers will be the next step. The residents and staff shall learn new skills re greenhouse management and all produce shall be used in the residential unit’s kitchen.

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