PENSIONERS have been using their green fingers to take part in a gardening project.
And the residents of Lyn Royd Grange retirement housing, at Linthwaite, are hoping to enjoy the fruits of their labour after taking part in the grow-your-own scheme.
They planted flowers, fruit and vegetables in new raised beds, built by Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing to give the gardening club more useable garden space, helped by staff from KNH and Kirklees Council’s Street Scene who ran a variety of gardening activities, including hanging basket demonstrations and tips on planting vegetables.
And, to ensure that the residents had all they need to make the garden a success, KNH applied for a grant from the food initiative and nutrition education team, part of the council’s and NHS Eat Well for Life project.
And residents won't be putting their feet up while nature takes its course – they are already looking to develop another section of the garden to provide a full orchard and a seating area.
KNH’s Carly Webster said: “The aim is to help older residents be more active and eat more healthily. It’s also a great way of encouraging them to get together and to reduce the isolation that older people often feel.”
The housing service is working with other organisations and local people on council estates across Kirklees to develop grow-your-own schemes and community gardens.
Call Carol Smith on 07811 164093.
