This National Gardening Week, we’re celebrating the power of gardening across Keychange. Whether our residents enjoy being outdoors in the fresh air or potting plants inside, gardening is widely recognised for its physical, social and mental health benefits. Research shows that regular gardening can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, support cognitive functioning, and strengthen social connection – all of which are especially valuable for older people living in care homes and housing communities.
Gardening itself can be a powerful source of enjoyment. Planting seeds, watering pots or checking on new growth gives residents a sense of purpose, routine and continuity. Many older people who live with us have spent years tending their own gardens, allotments or window boxes. Being able to continue those familiar activities – at a pace and level that suits them – can be deeply reassuring and affirming.
For those in our housing communities, gardening can also spark a long‑lost passion or inspire a new interest in outdoor hobbies. And sometimes, simply sitting in a garden provides all the enjoyment needed. Sunshine naturally boosts serotonin – the body’s “happiness hormone” – helping to lift mood and support wellbeing.
All of our communities have dedicated spaces for gardening, ranging from intimate terraces to larger grounds. At Alexander House care community in Wimbledon, residents enjoy an area at the front of the home used for growing fruits, vegetables and herbs. This sensory garden offers soft foliage to touch, fragrant plants to enjoy, flowers to admire and wildlife to watch – a rich, calming experience for residents.
One resident shared what she enjoys about being out in the garden:
“I like the colour, and the scents and especially when you notice things you hadn’t seen before. We saw the Dahlia’s out the other week.”
Activities Co‑ordinator at the home, Tracey added:
“We also run a regular gardening club where we plant seeds, make bird boxes and feeders, and support the wildlife around our home. It’s great for residents to get involved in something creative – and even when it’s cold outside, our bird feeder is right by the window so everyone can enjoy watching the birds that visit.”
At our housing communities in Reigate and Exeter, the gardens reflect the life and growth within the communities themselves. Some residents enjoy taking part in gardening activities, with one resident recently planting tulip bulbs that are now in full bloom.
Kelly, a resident at Esther Women’s Community, said:
“Gardening makes me feel happy. Once you get into it the endorphins start to kick in! Once you clear the dead leaves and weeds and you can see the labour of your love when it looks tidy. When I plant seeds and you see the shoots start to come up and grow into plants and then to see the tomatoes, peppers, courgettes etc, bear their fruit, you feel a sense of achievement. To eat what you have grown tastes amazing. When you plant pots and see the lovely colours of the flowers it makes me feel warm and fuzzy! Taking care of them can feel euphoric, and in summer you have to water them regularly. The more effort you put in, the more you get out.”
Residents at Wayside in Reigate, shared some of their thoughts too:
“[I] get great satisfaction from working in the garden. It’s lovely seeing the garden look tidy and the work I did around the memorial patch.”
“I feel happy when working in the garden. Looking at the flowers blooming is very satisfying.”
“Working in the garden stops all my negative thoughts. It’s great to learn new things and enjoy what you have planted.”
During National Gardening Week, many of our communities are planning simple, enjoyable activities that make the most of our outdoor spaces. These may include planting sessions, flower arranging, nature walks or quiet moments set aside for reflection in the garden. The focus is not on doing more, but on enjoying the gardens we have and the small activities that help us care for them.
As we celebrate National Gardening Week, we’re reminded that gardens are not just about plants – they are about people. They bring us together, spark conversations and offer moments of calm in a busy world. They help us stay connected to the seasons, to nature and to one another.
Across Keychange, our gardens continue to flourish because of the enjoyment, curiosity and care shared by residents, staff, families and volunteers. As the year unfolds, we look forward to many more moments of colour, companionship and joy in the beautiful outdoor spaces of our Keychange communities.
