A GARDENING project developed by ac.care providing senior people in the local community an opportunity to participate in a series of workshops will commence next week.
Make Thyme For Gardening will involve six sessions beginning next Friday at the new Bunnings Store.
The welfare organisation’s ACE officer Vivienne Wilson said it had been developed thanks to a Positive Aging grant in an attempt to engage local community members.
“It is just an idea that we had as the rant is an initiative to try and get seniors involved and engaged with each other,” Ms Wilson said.
“We just thought that gardening is a thing a lot of people are interested in and it is something a bit different that we have not offered before.”
The first session will be with the Bunnings store resident garden expert Liz Watts, who will teach the participants everything they need to know about gardening.
“The workshops will entail us being in our DIY area and we will discuss what plants to grow at this time of year,” Ms Watts said.
“We will get them to create a little herb garden to take home and I will teach them how to take care of that.”
Other activities throughout the workshops will include a trip to Aberfoyle Gardens in Kongorong and demonstrations from other garden enthusiasts.
ac.care program manager Sue Watt said the main aim of the project was to create social engagement, which will hopefully develop new friendships to last well beyond the course.
“Gardening can be quite a solitary activity, but this way we hope to connect people with that common interest,” Ms Watt said.
“It is also about social inclusion and networking because a lot of people as they get into their 70s can be on their own, so this gives them a chance to engage with different people.”
ac.care chief executive officer Shane Maddocks praised his staff for developing the idea that gives people in the community the opportunity to share their passion with others.
“I am a passionate gardener myself and I think it is a great way to be creative and grow things, but getting people out of their homes and interacting with each other is even more important,” Mr Maddocks said.
“Breaking down the barriers between people, particularly those living by themselves, and giving them a chance to interact with other people is really important.”
Anyone with an interest in gardening is welcome to contact the ac.care Mount Gambier community centre on 8723 0540 or care@accare.org.au to enroll.
