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Residents of Gardenview, a rehabilitation facility for young adults with an acquired brain injury, got an early Christmas present of a garden make-over thanks to the generosity of more than 40 volunteer Bunnings staff and RMH volunteers.
In only one day, Bunnings staff, Gardenview residents, their families and friends, and RMH volunteers transformed the tired garden into a welcoming, colourful outdoor space. As well as fresh plants, new planter boxes, and a communal barbeque, the volunteers created a beautiful mosaic to brighten up the courtyard garden. Each resident also had the opportunity to build a dove cote which they could either leave in the garden, or take with them as a memento.
Ben, a father of two, who has been undergoing rehabilitation at Gardenview for a year said the new garden gave him a place to spend time with his two young daughters when they visit. Instead of the hospital-like environment of the facility, or spending time in his room, the family will be able to enjoy the outdoors.
“It will be wonderful. They will be able to say they had a lovely day with Dad in the garden, not at the hospital,” he said.
Fellow resident Marion is an avid gardener who misses the garden she used to tend before her stroke.
She was excited by the prospect of being able to plant a few vegetables and flowers in the new specially-raised planter boxes.
“My daughter visits every week and we joke about going outside. With the new garden I’ll go out more. I wouldn’t mind getting my hands dirty,” she said.
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Above: A birdhouse painted by a Gardenview resident hangs in one of the garden's trees.
Below: Bunnings volunteers prepare the planter boxes.
Left: The Bunnings volunteers, Gardenview and Melbourne Heatlh staff celebrate at the end of the makeover.
Photos: Neil Mouat.
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