As National Gardening Day approaches on April 14th, residents at Avocet Court care home are preparing to celebrate their love of the outdoors, and no one is more excited than Elsie Bray. At 89, Elsie has a lifetime of gardening experience and a passion that remains as strong as ever.
Elsie’s love for gardening was cultivated in childhood, growing up in Stonham Parva. She fondly recalls how her grandfather showed her the ropes, teaching her how to grow vegetables and potatoes—enough to keep the family well-fed. “I had a patch by the edge of his shed that was mine,” Elsie reminisces. “It was my little world, where I could plant and nurture whatever I liked.”
Her husband Peter shared her enthusiasm for gardening, and together, they found great joy and relaxation in tending to their garden. For Elsie, every season holds something special: “There is a season for everything, and every season is great in the garden.”
A proud mother of two daughters and grandmother to four, Elsie has passed on her love for the outdoors to the next generations. Gardening, for her, has always been about connection—connection to nature, family, and the simple joys of watching things grow.
Now a resident at Avocet Court care home, Elsie is still eager to play her part in the home’s extensive gardens. With spacious grounds and plenty of gardening projects, there’s always something to do. Elsie, with her many years of experience, enjoys offering advice and sharing her wealth of knowledge with others. She’s particularly excited about giving the garden outside her bedroom door a Soring makeover, filling it with vibrant begonias and geraniums to bring a splash of springtime colour.
Elsie acknowledges that age has made some gardening tasks more difficult as she does have to use a wheelchair most of the time.
“Your body starts to let you down as you get older, and I can’t do the amount of work I want to” she said, adding that she’s grateful for the raised beds at Avocet Court, which allow her to continue her beloved hobby with ease.
With the warmer months ahead, Elsie is looking forward to being a big supporter of Avocet Court’s entry in the ‘Athena in Bloom’ competition. The home has proudly held the Winner’s Spade for the past two years, and Elsie is ready to help make it three.
For Elsie, gardening is more than just a pastime—it’s a lifelong passion that continues to bring her joy, purpose, and a sense of belonging. As National Gardening Day arrives, she and her fellow residents at Avocet Court will be celebrating the beauty of the outdoors and the simple pleasure of watching something grow.
The Benefits of Gardening for Older Adults
Gardening offers numerous benefits for older people, including:
1. Physical Exercise – Gentle gardening activities like planting, weeding, and watering help maintain mobility, strength, and flexibility.
2. Mental Wellbeing – Spending time outdoors and engaging in gardening has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
3. Connection with Nature – Fresh air, sunlight, and being surrounded by plants can boost mood and overall happiness.
4. Cognitive Stimulation – Planning, problem-solving, and learning about different plants keep the mind active and engaged.
5. Social Interaction – Community gardening or working alongside others encourages conversation and companionship.
6. Sense of Purpose – Nurturing plants and watching them grow provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
7. Improved Sleep – Exposure to natural daylight and gentle physical activity can contribute to better sleep patterns.
8. Hand-Eye Coordination – Tasks like potting plants or using gardening tools help maintain fine motor skills.
9. Healthy Eating – Growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs encourages better nutrition and a connection to fresh, homegrown food.
10. Encourages Routine – Gardening gives structure to the day, helping older individuals maintain a sense of routine.
For residents like Elsie, the garden is not just a place to grow plants—it’s a space to nurture wellbeing, foster friendships, and find joy in every season.
