Thank you for transforming our gardens

Gardens have never been more important. At a time when coronavirus restrictions mean we are all having to be careful about where we go and what we do, gardens – for those of us lucky enough to have access to them – have become places to relax and enjoy nature at its seasonal best. 

In terms of mental health, they are a godsend. And, for the many elderly and vulnerable people we look after in our sixteen care homes across Cornwall, they provide a lifeline to the outside world. A means of getting together with one or two relatives over tea when guidelines permit or simply going outside and getting a breath of fresh, safe air when the weather is clement.

That’s why I’m so delighted with the hard work being done by volunteers from Eden, Cornwall College and some of our own staff to tidy up all our gardens and transform them with new plants donated from local businesses.

As I write, five gardens have already been given a full day’s makeover, with another three scheduled for this week. The volunteers – most of them currently furloughed – weed, prune and plant tirelessly, led by horticulturalist Lucy Wenger who, as you would expect from anyone working at Eden, knows her stuff when it comes to turning outdoor spaces into beautiful, floral sanctuaries.

Members of the St Austell-based Cornwall College media team are contributing to by taking photos and time-lapse videos of what’s happening. You can see the images on our social media platforms – an enduring record of the difference people can make when they put their own challenges to one side and commit to helping others.

Thank you so much to everyone who has given up their time for this project and to all those who have so generously donated plants. We are a charity and acts of kindness like this really do change lives.