Gardens at Christadelphian Aged Care’s North Parramatta Homes were given a makeover last week when students from TAFE NSW came to lend a hand.
The group of around 10 second year horticulture students started at Northcourt on Saunders St and gave some love to the side gardens that needed landscaping after recent renovations at the aged care home.
They planted natives such as grevilleas for groundcover and flowers that would bring a little colour around the Home.
Courtlands and Northcourt Maintenance Manager Clarissa White said the new landscaping would make the area more appealing for residents and visitors.
“There was a lot of foliage but not a lot of flowers so we’re planting pigface and other colourful plants that will grow fast. They are also easy to propagate so the residents may be able to help maintain the garden,” she said.
After their work at Northcourt the group moved up the road to Courtlands Aged Care, where they created a sensory garden to be used by the aged care residents.
TAFE teacher Christine Steele said plants such as lavender, rosemary and lemon geraniums were fragrant and might stir up old memories for the residents.
“It puts smiles on the residents’ faces, especially as we design the plants and the gardens to be suitable for them,” she said.
“We like to give back to the community. We often do work on gardens at government departments and charitable organisations.”
The project is part of their landscaping course and the students will be marked on their work.
There has already been positive feedback from residents, staff and visitors who are enjoying the new gardens.
“The TAFE group truly went above and beyond,” Clarissa said.
“It was wonderful to see the gardens brought back to life with some TLC.”
Planning is already underway for them to return next year and complete more work for Christadelphian Aged Care residents.
