Euroa residents to grow a feast

An edible garden will be established at Currie Park, OCAV’s Euroa village, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the John T Reid Charitable Trusts.

According to CEO Phillip Wohlers, the new garden and program of associated activities in the village grounds will allow residents to enjoy working in it all year round.

“The current garden is unsuited to our residents’ physical needs and is also not easily accessible for people in wheelchairs or who have difficulty walking,” he added.

Work on the new garden will begin shortly. The garden will include:

· A series of beds raised up to waist height to prevent residents’ stooping or bending unnecessarily.

· Shade and shelter to ensure residents can garden in all seasons.

· A range of nutritious herbs, fruits and vegetables for residents in independent living units to cook with in their own kitchens, and for the caterers who prepare meals for our assisted living residents to use too.

· Plants with sensory properties such as bright and textured foliage or distinctive scents for residents with dementia to enjoy.

“Once the garden is completed, we will be offering residents the chance to take part in different activities including working bees and workshops, focussing on horticulture, cooking and craft using garden produce,” Mr Wohlers said.

At the heart of the project are the residents who will be involved in the planning, establishment and ongoing maintenance. Residents’ meetings will incorporate a garden committee update as a regular agenda item.

“We are anticipating that Rotary and Apex will be involved in the design and construction of the garden, and volunteers will come in to support and supplement residents in maintenance and upkeep of the garden,” Mr Wohlers said.

Currie Park provides independent living and assisted living accommodation for 30 older people aged between 68 and 92 years and the new garden is expected to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of residents.

As well as providing nutritious food, gardening has a number of health benefits for older people. Digging, bending, planting and picking help to maintain motor skills and to increase mobility and strength. These in turn act preventatively to reduce the risk of falls and injuries, lower stress levels and blood pressure.