Summer in the Garden at St John’s

St John’s Care Home in Melrose has been making the most of this summer’s warm and sunny weather with both residents and staff spending plenty of time outdoors with a view of the Eildon Hills.

Residents have been enjoying the seasonal warmth in the beautiful surroundings of St John’s gardens. This year’s good weather has benefited the care home’s bedding plants and especially the roses, whose scented blooms are much appreciated by 97-year old St John’s resident Thomas, a keen lifelong gardener. The garden’s many fruit and nut trees have done well too, with St John’s chef looking forward to harvesting pears, apples, walnuts and plums for the residents’ favourite puddings.

Lovely picnic weather recently brought everyone outdoors for an afternoon concert with regular visitor and entertainer, Julia. This was St John’s first socially distanced outdoor event with family present, following changes to the covid-19 regulations. With a 1940s and 50s picnic theme, Julia had everyone tapping their feet and singing along to ‘Hello Dolly’ and other classic songs from the shows.

St John’s Activities Coordinator Denise said, “Our residents love music and songs from the 40s and 50s and Julia is really upbeat and engages with them, taking requests and getting everyone involved.”

Afterwards, residents enjoyed a summer picnic of sandwiches, scones, quiche, pizzas and sweet treats from St John’s own chef.

St John’s resident Audrey said, “It was just a marvellous day.”

Many thanks to Mansfield Care Homes staff for the lovely photos. Read more about St John’s summer celebration in the Border Telegraph.