A Great Day Out at Saughton Park and Gardens

There was great anticipation at Mansfield Care’s Belleville Lodge in Edinburgh recently, in advance of a planned day out to Saughton Park and Gardens. Not only was it Belleville residents’ first visit to the popular city destination – it was also the first time in a year and a half that they would board a bus, and travel some distance from their home.

Saughton Gardens are renowned for their flower borders and especially the roses, but are also home to a Scottish Physic Garden, planted with herbs. Belleville Lodge resident Bet suggested a visit to the garden at a monthly residents’ meeting, and plans were set in motion. It was a chance to use the local wheelchair-friendly Handicabs service and travel across Edinburgh in style.

Belleville Lodge Matron Margaret Russell said, “Our residents enjoyed looking at the lovely flowers and colourful borders, and they particularly enjoyed the rose garden and its scents. The herb garden was also a favourite and a chance to touch, smell and even taste some of the different herbs. One of our residents, Heather, is a botanist and her eyes lit up at the chance to visit the garden.  She really enjoyed her day out and telling us about the plants. We ended our tour of the garden with a cup of tea and refreshments in the garden café, sitting outdoors, as the weather was lovely.”

Where to next? Plans are being drawn up for a trip to the National Galleries of Scotland at the bottom of the Mound.

Many thanks to Mansfield Care Homes staff for the lovely photos.