Summertime in the garden at Peebles Care Home

The staff at Mansfield Care Homes have come up with imaginative ways to make up for residents’ favourite summer outings, by recreating their own botanic garden  experience at home.

Wellbeing Coordinator Gemma at Peebles Care Home says residents usually enjoy going to Dawyck Botanic Gardens and café, and explained that this year called for creative thinking.

“We have had to be very inventive with our ideas this summer, in order not to miss out on all the summer month experiences that we usually look forward to.

Fortunately, our own landscaped gardens here at Peebles have provided opportunity to make an afternoon of exploring the different flowers and plants, just like we would on our trips to Dawyck Gardens.”

She says residents often enjoy helping with the gardening, and their flower planting has been even more appreciated this year.

“During this lovely period of warm, sunny weather, we have really been appreciating all the colours, textures and scents that fill the pathways around the home. We realise that we have likely been a bit guilty of overlooking the sensory aspects of our garden before now.

As for our customary tea and cake at the ‘Dawyck café’ afterwards? Our chefs prepare lots of lovely sweet treats anyway, so we certainly haven’t missed out. Plus it’s much easier to get a refill of tea (or coffee) here at home!”

Many thanks to the staff at Peebles Care Home for the lovely photos.